“Rome will once again offer a spectacular finale for the Giro d’Italia, crossing iconic landmarks known worldwide,” Mauro Vegni, race director of the Giro d’Italia, said. “The start from Vatican City, strongly desired by Pope Francis during the Jubilee Year, adds a special emotional value to this stage, merging sport with spirituality.

The Giro d’Italia will pay homage to the late Pope Francis by passing through the Vatican gardens behind St. Peter’s Basilica and in front of the Santa Marta hotel — which was where Francis lived — during the final stage of the cycling race on June 1.