The Giro d'Italia caravan was welcomed in the Vatican by Pope Leon XIV: the RCS top management donated a pink jersey, and the four jersey holders - Yates, Pedersen, Fortunato and Del Toro - were able to greet the Pope.

"Welcome to the Vatican, it is a pleasure to greet this final stage of the Giro d'Italia. Know that you are models for young people around the world. I thank you for what you do, and I hope that as you have learned to take care of the body, you will also be attentive to the spirit! God bless you," Pope Leon said, greeting the riders also in English.

And then back in the saddle with Pope Leon applauding the riders as they pass, heading towards the km 0 through the Vatican Gardens.