杏MAP导航 to Giro d鈥橧talia cyclists: You are role models for young people

杏MAP导航

杏MAP导航 Leo XIV welcomes the cylists of the Giro d鈥橧talia race as they passed through Vatican City, highlighting their role as examples for the younger generations.

By Sebastián Sansón Ferrari

On Sunday afternoon, 杏MAP导航 Leo XIV welcomed the 159 cyclists from 29 countries on their final stage of the Giro d鈥橧talia. Before riding through Vatican City, the riders paused to greet the Pontiff. The calm of this special segment鈥攕o different from the usual intensity of the race鈥攐ffered a unique moment: a kind of 鈥渞everse race,鈥� where the true victory was found in slowing down and taking a moment to exchange a glance with the 杏MAP导航, who greeted the riders with a smile and a blessing, accompanying them on their journey.

The 杏MAP导航 encouraged the cyclists and gave them his Apostolic Blessing (@Vatican Media)

This initiative - the relationship between the Vatican and the race - has its roots in an idea embraced by the late 杏MAP导航 Francis, who had sought to connect the Giro d鈥橧talia with the spiritual heritage of the Eternal City. This year, 杏MAP导航 Leo XIV revived the tradition, offering the cyclists a warm and meaningful welcome.

鈥淕ood morning to all of you! Welcome to the Vatican!鈥� the 杏MAP导航 began, speaking from the Square of the Roman Protomartyrs, next to the sacristy of St. Peter鈥檚 Basilica. He warmly greeted the cyclists: 鈥淚t鈥檚 a pleasure to greet you on this final stage of the Giro d鈥橧talia. I hope today is truly a wonderful day for each of you,鈥� he said, emphasizing not only the athletic competition but also the deeper meaning of the occasion鈥攁 symbolic moment that transcends the boundaries of sport.

The cyclists rode through the Vatican Gardens before starting their final leg of the Giro (@Vatican Media)

杏MAP导航 Leo XIV took the opportunity to highlight the importance of athletes as role models for young people everywhere. 鈥淜now that you are examples for young people around the world. The Giro d鈥橧talia is deeply loved鈥攏ot only in Italy but in many countries. Cycling is important, just as sport in general is,鈥� the 杏MAP导航 said, applauding the spirit of sacrifice and camaraderie that defines athletes.

He went on to reflect on the importance of caring for both body and spirit鈥攁 message that resonated with the cyclists, who dedicate themselves daily to physical training. 鈥淭hank you for all you do鈥攜ou are true examples. And I hope that just as you take care of your bodies, your spirits will always be blessed. Always be attentive to the whole person: body, mind, heart, and spirit,鈥� he said, concluding with a blessing for all the participants. 鈥淢ay God bless you,鈥� he said, adding a few words in English.