ROME, April 29, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - The Giro d'Italia will pay tribute to the 
late Pope Francis during the final stage of this year's race, organisers said 
on Tuesday.

For the first time in its history, as announced before the Pope's passing on 
April 21, the Giro will ride through the Vatican on June 1.

"It will be a very special moment after Pope Francis' death, a death that 
affected us all," the president of Giro owners RCS Umberto Cairo told 
reporters.

The 108th edition of the Giro, one of cycling's main three-week races with 
the Tour de France and the Vuelta a Espana, begins on May 9 in Albania.

"Pope Francis had this particular interest in sport, and it's a way, sadly 
now, of remembering him, of paying homage to him," secretary of the culture 
section of the Dicastery for Culture and Education Paul Tighe said.

"It's been a difficult negotiation, but it was the enthusiasm of the Pope for 
the project that opened doors.

"Otherwise, it would have been very easy to say, it's impossible, it can't be 
done," he added.

Giro champion Tadej Pogacar will not race this year's edition as he focuses 
on the Tour, starting on July 5 in Lille, France.

Cardinals from around the world will meet under Michelangelo's frescoes in 
the Sistine Chapel on May 7 to elect a new leader of the Catholic Church 
after Pope Francis's death.