Pope greets cyclists: You are role models for young people

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Source: Vatican Media

On Sunday afternoon, Pope Leo XIV welcomed 159 cyclists from 29 countries on their final stage of the Giro d'Italia. Before racing through Vatican City, the riders paused to greet the Holy Father.

Speaking from the Square of the Roman Protomartyrs, next to the sacristy of St Peter's Basilica, he warmly greeted the cyclists: ""Good morning to all of you! Welcome to the Vatican!" It's a pleasure to greet you on this final stage of the Giro d'Italia. I hope today is truly a wonderful day for each of you," he said, emphasizing not only the athletic competition but also the deeper meaning of the occasion - a symbolic moment that transcends the boundaries of sport.

Pope Leo XIV took the opportunity to highlight the importance of athletes as role models for young people everywhere. "Know that you are examples for young people around the world. The Giro d'Italia is deeply loved - not only in Italy but in many countries. Cycling is important, just as sport in general is," the Pope said, applauding the spirit of sacrifice and camaraderie that defines athletes.

He went on to reflect on the importance of caring for both body and spirit - a message that resonated with the cyclists, who dedicate themselves daily to physical training. "Thank you for all you do - you are true examples. And I hope that just as you take care of your bodies, your spirits will always be blessed. Always be attentive to the whole person: body, mind, heart, and spirit," he said, concluding with a blessing for all the participants. "May God bless you," he said, adding a few words in English.

Established in 1909, the Giro has a long history of meeting the Popes. In 1946 Pope Pius XII welcomed Giro riders after the devastations of World War II, encouraging their journey from Rome to Perugia. Pope Paul VI met them several times, in the Vatican and at Castel Gandolfo. Pope John Paul II hosted cyclists during the 2000 Jubilee, while Benedict XVI and Pope Francis continued to affirm the spiritual value of sport, particularly through support for the Madonna del Ghisallo shrine, patroness of cyclists since 1949.

This year was the first time they've cycled through Vatican City - a slightly slower, three kilometre detour from their traditional route. They entered via the Petriano Gate, cruised past the sacristy of St Peter's Basilica, the Vatican railway station, Governor's Palace, and Mater Ecclesiae monastery. They continued past the Lourdes Grotto and St John's Tower, Vatican Gardens, Vatican Museums and a tree-lined avenue named in honour of sports, echoing the early 20th-century races Pope Pius X promoted to encourage health and fraternity. They they glided beneath the Sistine Chapel, alongside the apse of the basilica before exiting through the Vicolo del Perugino gate, where the race officially resumed at competitive speeds - on Italian soil.

Watch the event on Vatican Youtube channel: www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwDa0yGTrZk