The late Pope Francis, who died on 21 April, will be remembered with a neutralised start in Vatican City on the final stage of the 2025 Giro d'Italia.

Riders will pass through Vatican City in Rome on 1 June before the official start of the final stage of the Giro, which begins in Albania on 9 May.

This will be the third consecutive time the Giro has ended in Rome, but only the seventh time in 108 editions of the race.

"This presence is renewed this year with an exciting symbolic start from Vatican City, a tribute to Pope Francis, his persona, and his message of hope in the Jubilee year," Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri said.

The 21st stage of this year's race will include eight loops of a 9.5 km circuit on the streets of Rome.

The Giro has passed through Vatican City on two previous occasions.