Giro d'Italia: Cyclists cross the Vatican for the first time!

Giro d'Italia: Cyclists cross the Vatican for the first time!

Vatikanstadt, Italien - The upcoming edition of the Giro d’Italia will be a very special event. On June 1, 2024, the 21st and last stage of the traditional race will pass the Vatican for the first time in history. This crossing is a tribute to Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday. Umberto Cairo, chairman of the racing organizer RCS, expressed that the death of Pope Francis has touched everyone deeply and the race will therefore receive a special emotional context. The professionals will cross the gardens of the Vatican and leave through the Porta del Perugino, which gives this race an extraordinary framework. The connection between the Giro d’Italia and the holy chair has a long tradition.

The first Giro d’Italia began on May 13, 1909 in Milan, with a first stage that led from Milan to Bologna. This route was 397 kilometers and the average speed was 28.090 km/h. Dario Beni won this first stage, while Giovanni Giolitti was Prime Minister and Pius X was Pope for six years. Interestingly, Pius X. banned the use of bicycles, but viewed it as a sport for lay people. This ambivalent attitude of the popes to bicycles and cycling continued over the years.

a historical context

In the decades, several other points of contact between the Giro and the Vatican followed. Pius XII. Received the cyclists in 1946 after the Second World War, while significant personalities such as Bartali and Coppi took part in this historical meeting. Another important event took place in 2000 when John Paul II received the participants of the Giro d’Italia and spoke about the values of sport. Benedict XVI. also showed interest when he blessed a stone slab in Santuario Madonna del Ghisallo in 2006.

The foundation of the Vatican state in 1929 gave the church an independent political influence. The Vatican, which lies in the heart of Rome, is 44 hectares in size and not only has spiritual but also secular power. As the center of the Catholic Church, the Pope has the role of the spiritual head and secular rulers. This unique position enables him to influence the global concerns and the Catholic community in many ways. In the course of history, the popes often claimed political power and played their role in world events.

the Vatican and the cycling

The meaning of the Giro d’Italia goes beyond sport and reflects the cultural and social changes. In 1929, the Vatican received sovereignty with the Lateran contracts that had been granted to him by the Italian agreement. These contracts not only ensured the recognition of the Vatican as an independent nation, but also strengthened the role of the Pope as an international player. Today the Vatican and the Pope have the opportunity to actively promote cycling and its values, which is also shown in the upcoming Giro d’Italia.

The upcoming stage by the Vatican will not only be a sporty highlight, but also an appreciation of a Pope that has touched the hearts of many. The Giro d’Italia is remembered, also as a symbol of change and the hopeful connection between sport and faith.