Pope Leo blesses cyclists competing in the Giro d'Italia
Pope Leo imparted his blessing to more than 150 cyclists participating in the Giro d'Italia on Sunday, as the final stage of the three-week race commenced with an unprecedented route through the Vatican gardens, behind St. Peter's Basilica.
Upon entering Vatican City, overall race leader Simon Yates and other classification leaders dismounted to greet the Pope, presenting him with a replica of the leader's pink jersey.
"You are role models for young people all over the world," Leo told the peloton.
"May God bless all of you on this last part of the Giro d'Italia. Congratulations to all of you.
'May you know that you are always welcome here in the Vatican. You are always welcome by the church, which represents God's love for all people."
In an unscripted moment, Nairo Quintana of Colombia, the 2014 Giro champion, paused to greet the Pope after the other riders had moved on.
While popes have blessed the Giro riders before and the race has previously passed through or next to St. Peter's Square, this marked the first time that the route took the peloton on a three-kilometre (nearly two-mile) route inside the Vatican walls.
Bringing the race inside the Vatican was originally intended as an homage to Pope Francis during the 2025 Holy Year but after Francis died, Leo, the first American pope, decided to honour the event in Francis' memory.
The cyclists entered the Vatican through the Petriano gate to the left of St. Peter's, rode around the basilica and then climbed up toward the gardens before exiting near the Santa Marta hotel at the Perugino gate.
Santa Marta was where Francis lived.
The passage through the Vatican occurred during the non-competitive neutralised period before the stage. The official start was given after the riders exited the narrow Perugino gate.
British rider Yates could cruise to the title with an advantage of nearly four minutes over Isaac Del Toro of Mexico.
The 143-kilometre (89-mile) final stage concluded with a circuit of eight laps through downtown Rome and finished next to the Circus Maximus.
It is the third time since Leo was elected that he has met with the sports world.
Two weeks ago, . Then last week, he welcomed the players and staff of Italian soccer champions Napoli to the Vatican.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Tourists issued warning over ordering ice cream in Italy
Tourists have been urged to take care when ordering ice cream in Italy this summer as they could be being duped. Italian gelato is world famous for its creamy texture with tourists often flocking to purchase iconic flavours such as pistachio and stracciatella. But they might not be getting the real thing. The Express reports that many tourists are actually buying a cheap copy of gelato with the cheeky scam particularly prevalent in Rome. Foodies at explain that classic gelato is 'churned at a much slower rate, incorporating less air and leaving the gelato denser than ice cream'. And there's also an easier way for tourists to spot inauthentic gelato. If the ice cream colours are particularly bright, it's generally a sign that you're not buying a real gelato. Classic gelato is usually pale in colour as makers don't use artificial food colouring during the process. Tourists can also check reviews on Google and Tripadvisor to find gelato cafes with particularly high ratings. One popular spot is Vivoli, a historic ice cream shop in Florence which is home to an iconic new treat. A €6 coffee dessert has become the latest Tuscan viral sensation, drawing crowds of tourists and creating hour-long lines outside the city's oldest gelateria. The creamy drink, called the Gran Crema Caffè Vivoli, is a twist on the classic Italian affogato - a shot of hot espresso served in a pre-chilled cappuccino cup with four strips of smooth vanilla gelato lining the edges.
The Sun
3 hours ago
- The Sun
Inter Milan ask Cesc Fabregas for permission to speak to… Cesc Fabregas as they target next manager
INTER MILAN have asked for permission to speak to Cesc Fabregas. The beaten Champions League finalists and Serie A runners-up have seen boss Simone Inzaghi leave by mutual consent, ahead of an expected move to Al-Hilal. 2 2 The Italian giants want to get their new boss in position quickly before the Club World Cup begins in less than two weeks. And that has led them to opening talks with Como to poach Fabregas. The ex- Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder is the manager of the club, who finished tenth in their first season in Serie A after achieving promotion last season. Fabregas, 38, is also a co-owner of the outfit alongside Thierry Henry, but have the richest club owners in Italian football in the form of the Indonesia-based Djarum Group. Reports in Italy state Inter want to speak to the Spaniard about their available head coach role. However, Fabregas has already turned down a job offer from German side Bayer Leverkusen after they allowed Xabi Alonso to leave to join Real Madrid. The Nerazzurri were being rivalled by Roma to land Fabregas. But reports indicate they have agreed to appoint legendary Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini. Sky Sport Italia claims Fabregas is "tempted" by the offer, but is yet to give any indication over a decision. Fabregas has been a co-owner of Como since August 2022.
The Sun
3 hours ago
- The Sun
Chelsea in shock transfer talks with AC Milan keeper Mike Maignan whose stats shows up Robert Sanchez
CHELSEA are in talks with AC Milan to sign goalkeeper Mike Maignan. The France star, 29, has only a year left on his contract in Italy, with both parties yet to agree on fresh terms. 1 And the Blues have been alerted by Maignan's failure to pen an extension at the San Siro, where AC Milan failed to qualify for Europe. Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca believes the £34million-rated stopper is an ideal option for his possession-based attack. The Stamford Bridge outfit already have five keepers on their books — Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen, Djordje Petrovic, Mike Penders and Kepa Arrizabalaga. But Maignan's potential arrival would see him challenge for the No 1 jersey in another shake-up to the goalkeeping department. Chelsea fans have been calling for a new No 1, with both Sanchez and Jorgensen failing to prove they should be the main man between the sticks. French Guiana-born Maignan helped Lille to the French title in 2021. He won Serie A with Milan a year later. Maignan has amassed a total of 163 appearances for the Italian club and made four errors leading to goals last season, comparing to Sanchez's five. But AC Milan could cash in now amid fears he could leave the club on a free transfer in 2026. Maignan has played 30 times for France and was named in the Euro 2024 team of the tournament. Jadon Sancho shares his Chelsea highlights reel as he says goodbye to fans ahead of Man Utd return Maresca's Chelsea are set to make Liam Delap their first summer signing. The Blues will pay his £30million release clause at relegated Ipswich, who he joined last summer from Manchester City. Chelsea will also welcome youngsters Estevao Willian, Kendry Paez and Dario Essugo to the club. One player leaving the club is Jadon Sancho. Chelsea paid Manchester United £5m NOT to sign him on a permanent basis. And the winger, 25, posted on Instagram: 'Grateful for the experience. Big love to everyone at Chelsea who made me feel at home — teammates, staff and the fans. 'Wishing the club all the best moving forward. Truly grateful. Thank you Blues.'
