Pope Leo XIV Tells Athletes "always be attentive to the whole human being: body, mind, heart and spirit" FULL TEXT

On Sunday, June 1, in the afternoon, Pope Leo XIV welcomed 159 cyclists from 29 countries on their final stage of the race Giro d’Italia. Before riding through Vatican City, the riders paused to greet the Pontiff. The calm of this special unique moment: a kind of “reverse race,” where the true victory was found in slowing down and taking a moment to exchange a few minutes with the Pope, who greeted the riders with a smile and a blessing, accompanying them on their journey.
FULL TEXT GREETING OF HIS HOLINESS POPE LEO XIV
TO THE CYCLISTS OF THE GIRO D’ITALIA
PASSING THROUGH THE VATICAN CITY STATE
Piazza dei Protomartiri Romani - Sunday, 1 June 2025

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Good morning everyone! Welcome to the Vatican!

It is a pleasure to greet you on this last stage of the Giro d’Italia. I hope that it is truly a beautiful day for all of you. Know that you are role models for young people all over the world. The Giro d’Italia is so, truly, loved and not only in Italy. Cycling is so important, as is sport in general. I thank you for everything you do, and be role models indeed! And I hope that, as you have learned to take care of your body, your spirit will always be blessed and that you will always be attentive to the whole human being: body, mind, heart and spirit. May God bless you!

May God bless all of you on this last part of the Giro d’Italia. Congratulations to all of you and may you know that you are always welcome here in the Vatican, you are always welcomed by the Church which represents God’s love for all people.
And may the blessing of Almighty God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit come upon all of you and remain with you forever.
Congratulations! Tanti auguri a tutti!

Source: Vatican.va - with Screenshot