Pope Leo XIV addresses the pack of cyclists passing by the Vatican during the 21st and last stage of the 108th Giro d'Italia cycling race, 205km from Verres to Sestriere. Vatican Media/IPA via ZUMA Press/dpa
Pope Leo XIV addresses the pack of cyclists passing by the Vatican during the 21st and last stage of the 108th Giro d’Italia cycling race, 205km from Verres to Sestriere. Vatican Media/IPA via ZUMA Press/dpa

Jun 1, 2025 at 11:58 AM EDT

The Giro d’Italia peloton was blessed by Pope Leo XIV ahead of its final day of competition on Sunday.

The Pope greeted the field before the start of the 143-kilometre stage, which began in Vatican City to pay tribute to the new leader of the Catholic Church and bid farewell to Pope Francis, before entering the official circuit.