Yesterday one of my favorite annual sports events came to an end. The three-week long cycling race Giro D’Italia ended on the streets of Rome. The winner was British cyclist Simon Yates, who beat Mexican Isaac Del Toro by 4 minutes. Third was Ecuadorian Richard Carapaz. Yesterday’s stage included an unusual trek through the Vatican and meeting Pope Leo XIV. It was very emotional moment as the Pope addressed all the cyclists, “You are role models for young people all over the world. May God bless all of you on this last part of the Giro d’Italia. May God bless your entire being, body, mind, heart and spirit. 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.” Pope Leo XIV blessed the 159 cyclists competing in the Giro d’Italia as the final stage began with an unprecedented ride through the Vatican gardens behind St. Peter’s Basilica.
The 4 leaders of the various categories, mountains stages, sprints, young leader and the overall winner presented the Pope with the iconic pink jersey, which is always worn by the leader. 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. It’s the third time since Leo was elected last month that he has met with the sports world. Two weeks ago, Leo held a private audience with top-ranked tennis player Jannik Sinner. Then last week, he welcomed the players and staff of Italian soccer champions Napoli to the Vatican.
No comments:
Post a Comment