The Giro d’Italia cycling race included the Vatican for the first time, in the neutralized start of the grand tour race for the first time in history, in the 21^st and final stage. Pope Leo XIV blessed the riders at the start of the race.

Pope Leo blesses cyclists as Giro d’Italia hits Vatican Gardens

by Associated Press | Sunday, June 1, 2025

Pope Leo XIV offered 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 a historic ride through the serene Vatican Gardens behind St. Peter’s Basilica.

Upon entering Vatican grounds, overall leader Simon Yates and the classification frontrunners dismounted to personally greet the pontiff, who was presented with a symbolic pink jersey – the emblem of the race leader.

“You are role models for young people across the globe,” Pope Leo told the peloton. “May God bless you all on this final leg of the Giro d’Italia. Congratulations, and know that you are always welcome here in the Vatican, embraced by the church, which reflects God’s love for all people.”

There’s more at the original, and it’s wholly apolitical.

Our family watch European bike races. Our younger daughter is an absolute fanatic, and knows everything there is to know about the competitors, while I am more interested in the scenery. And the scenery was completely messed up in this year’s Giro by the awful and ubiquitous ‘Palestinian’ flags and stupid ‘Free Gaza’ bovine feces painted on the roads throughout by stupid activists.

The ‘Palestinian’ supporters ruin everything.