Pope praises athletes for their perseverance: “Sport as a school for life”

Sunday marked the end of the Giro d'Italia, but not without a visit to the Vatican and the newly appointed pope.

The 108th Giro d'Italia has a winner, who goes by the name Simon Yates. The Briton stayed ahead of the young Mexican Isaac del Toro and the Colombian Richard Carapaz after 21 stages. On the flat route in Rome, Dutchman Olav Kooij took Sunday’s stage victory.

During their visit to Rome on Sunday, the Giro peloton also stopped by Pope Leo XIV before the start of the race. The American-Peruvian pontiff had some kind words for the cyclists and athletes in general. Pope Leo gave them his blessing and emphasised that the values learned through sport provide a valuable education for life. “Athletes are an example for our young people: with discipline, sacrifice, and passion, they show what true growth means,” said the pontiff.

In the final stage, the peloton actually rode three kilometres through Vatican City to honour the late Pope Francis.

(FVDV – Illustration: ©picture alliance ipa-agency ALESSIA GIULIANI)