Pope Leo XIV blessed more than 150 cyclists competing in the final stage of the Giro d’Italia on Sunday, June 1. The stage began with a ride through the Vatican gardens.

This is the first time the route ventured inside the Vatican walls. The Associated Press reported team leaders got off their bikes to meet the pope. The pontiff was presented with a replica leader jersey. 

“You are role models for young people all over the world,” Leo told the peloton. “May God bless all of you on this last part of the Giro d’Italia. 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.”

Bringing the race inside the Vatican was originally intended as an homage to Pope Francis. After Francis died, Leo decided to honor the event in Francis’ memory.

Andrew Medichini/Associated Press

Mass honored families, children, grandparents and elderly

Also on Sunday, June 1, the pope celebrated Mass in St. Peter’s Square. The message honored families, children, grandparents and the elderly.

The pontiff reminded the faithful that from the moment of birth we depend on others to survive. “All of us are alive today thanks to a relationship, a free and freeing relationship of human kindness and mutual care,” he said.

World Communications Day

Towards the end of the homily, Leo pointed out that June 1 is World Communications Day. “I thank media professionals who, by ensuring the ethical quality of their messages, help families in their educational task,” he said.

On Saturday, May 31, Leo marked the end of May outside the Church of Santo Stefano degli Abissini in the Vatican. When they were there, the faithful began a candlelit procession as they made their way up to the Grotto of Lourdes.

Leo XIV celebrated his first Mass as the Bishop of Rome on May 25, taking possession of the cathedral in the Basilica of St. John Lateran. The church, founded in 324, is the oldest public church in Rome and the highest-ranking of the four major papal basilicas.

On May 8, 133 cardinals named former Cardinal Robert Prevost of the United States the new pope after Francis’ death. This makes Prevost the first American pope in world history. Prevost, 69, took the name Leo XIV.