A Historic Ride: Giro d’Italia’s Final Stage to Honor Pope Francis at the Vatican

The 2025 Giro d’Italia will conclude with a historic and deeply symbolic final stage on June 1st, paying tribute to Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21. For the first time in its history, the iconic cycling race will enter the heart of the Vatican, passing through the Vatican Gardens during a neutralized section before continuing along the legendary streets of Rome.

Stage 21, a 143-kilometer route, will begin ceremonially within Vatican City, entering through the Porta del Perugino near Casa Santa Marta, Pope Francis’s residence. Originally envisioned by the Pope himself as part of the Jubilee Year celebration, the route has now become a posthumous tribute—blending sport, spirituality, and culture.

Giro director Mauro Vegni explained that the initial plan was for Pope Francis to give the starting signal for the final stage to promote both Vatican City and Rome during the Holy Year. Though his passing made that impossible, the race will continue as a homage to his legacy and message of hope.

After exiting Vatican City, cyclists will complete eight laps through central Rome, finishing at the historic Circus Maximus. This marks the third consecutive year that Rome hosts the Giro’s finale, solidifying its role as an emblematic stage for the event.

Organizing this event has required close collaboration between the Vatican, the city of Rome, and the Giro organizers. Special security and logistics measures have been put in place, including vehicle restrictions and television coverage provided by Vatican media. These efforts reflect the Catholic Church’s growing interest in sports as a vehicle for celebrating human achievement and promoting unity.

Rome’s mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, expressed pride in once again welcoming the Giro’s finale, highlighting the symbolic start from the Vatican as a tribute to Pope Francis and his message of hope during the Jubilee Year.

The final stage of the 2025 Giro d’Italia is not only a sporting milestone but also a cultural and spiritual event—uniting cyclists and faithful alike in celebrating the life and legacy of Pope Francis.