Cycling history: Giro d'Italia stops for the first time in the Vatican!

Cycling history: Giro d'Italia stops for the first time in the Vatican!

Vatikanstadt, Vatikan - On June 1, 2025, the Giro d’Italia made a historical stop in the Vatican, which was held for the first time in the 108-year history of the tour. Pope Francis had decided that the final stage leads through the Holy Roads of the Vatican, a symbolic gesture in memory of him, which died on April 21. The event marks the start of the “anniversary of sport”, which combines spirituality, sport and international community. Pope Leo XIV took over the instruction and blessing of the peloton during this special stage.

The final stage comprises a total of 143 kilometers with a start and destination in Rome, specifically in the Vatican state. On this occasion, Pope Leo XIV gave the athletes his blessing and emphasized the role model function of the drivers and the social importance of cycling. "It has never been an existence that the Giro d’Italia incorporates the Vatican as part of its route," reported Welt .

unique stage through the Vatican City

The drivers did not start the journey in competitive mode, but in a Paseo that also has a spiritual dimension. Marienweg led them through the Vatican City, past important places such as the Mater Ecclesiae monastery and the grotto of our dear wife of Lourdes. This route was developed in cooperation with the governorate of the Vatican State and Athletica Vaticana and is about 3.5 kilometers long. "It is an honor for us to be here," said one participant, while the cyclists were received in front of the colonnade of Pope Leo.

The participants included 159 cyclists from 23 teams and 29 nations. Simon Yates, the overall leader of the Giro and designated winner, had overtaken his rival Isaac del Toro at the last climb at Colle Delle Finestre and was able to go to the last stage with a lead of 3:56 minutes. The emotional moment culminated in the fact that Yates, after he was given the pink jersey of Pope Leo XIV.

a legacy of faith and sport

The close connection between church and cycling goes far back. Pope Pius XII. blessed the Giro in 1946 and 1950, while Paul VI. In 1974 boosted the Giro from the Vatican. John Paul II had the first stage in the Holy Year in 2000. This realignment of Pope Francis and later Pope Leo XIV is understood as the continuation and deepening of this tradition. Pope Francis' message to promote peace and support for disadvantaged people has been very well received in the sports world and strengthens the social engagement of athletica Vaticana for the Giro-e for the Center for Pediatric Palliative care of the "Bambino Gesù" hospital.

like the website Vatican News The Vatican City leads, referred to as a historical moment. "This day will go into the Annals of Sports and the Church," said Bishop Paul Tighe, secretary of the Dikasterium for Culture and Education.

With the recognition of cycling as part of a deeper spiritual journey, the Giro d’Italia not only establishes its own tradition, but also creates a space for peace and community that reflects the values ​​of sport. The event is therefore not only a sporting highlight, but also a sign of hope and peaceful coexistence, as Pope Leo XIV.

The final stage of the Giro d’Italia, which is dominated every year by sprinters, is now also being viewed in the light of these historical moments. The path through the Vatican City will certainly be remembered for a long time, at this point the love of sport and the spiritual values ​​are impressively converting.

More details about the event and the background can be found on Vatican News