Pope Leo XIV gave his blessing to the 159 cyclists competing in the Giro d’Italia on Sunday, as the final stage of the iconic three-week race began with an extraordinary ride through the serene Vatican gardens behind St. Peter’s Basilica.
The cyclists, led by overall race leader Simon Yates and other classification leaders, paused upon entering the Vatican to meet the pope. They dismounted and walked forward to greet Leo, who was presented with a replica of the Giro’s signature pink jersey.
“You are role models for young people around the world,” Pope Leo told the riders. “May God bless you all on this final leg of the Giro d’Italia. Congratulations to each of you. Know that you are always welcome in the Vatican and embraced by the church, which reflects God’s love for all people.”
In a spontaneous moment, 2014 Giro champion Nairo Quintana of Colombia stayed behind briefly to personally greet Pope Leo after the rest of the peloton had moved on.
While past popes have offered blessings to Giro riders and the race has skirted St. Peter’s Square before, this marked the first time the route actually passed through the Vatican grounds. The three-kilometer (about two-mile) journey inside the walls was an historic moment for the race and the Vatican alike.
Originally planned as a tribute to Pope Francis during the 2025 Holy Year, the route was reimagined as a memorial after his death. Pope Leo—the first American to lead the Catholic Church—chose to continue the gesture in Francis’ honor.
Cyclists entered via the Petriano Gate beside St. Peter’s, circled the basilica, climbed toward the lush gardens, and exited through the Perugino Gate near the Santa Marta residence, which had served as Francis’s home.
This Vatican segment took place during the neutralized portion of the stage, meaning it wasn’t part of the official race time. The competitive start began once the riders had exited the Vatican.
British cyclist Simon Yates entered the final stage with nearly a four-minute lead over Mexico’s Isaac Del Toro, positioning him to secure overall victory.
The concluding 143-kilometer (89-mile) stage consisted of eight laps through Rome’s city center, ending near the historic Circus Maximus.
Pope Leo’s interaction with the Giro marks his third high-profile meeting with athletes since his election last month. He previously welcomed world No. 1 tennis player Jannik Sinner and, more recently, hosted the players and staff of Serie A champions Napoli at the Vatican.