Pope Leo XIV offered his blessing to the Giro d’Italia peloton, presenting the riders as “role models for all the youth in the world,” as the cyclists passed through Vatican City during the 21st and final stage of the race on Sunday.

Riders pedaled at a slow pace through the famous gardens of the world’s smallest state during the neutralized start of the last stage.

Leo XIV was presented with a replica of the iconic pink jersey—the “maglia rosa” worn by the race leader—by Urbano Cairo, owner of RCS Sport, the Giro’s organizing company.

The cyclists stopped to greet the pontiff, and the four wearers of the race’s distinctive jerseys, including race leader Simon Yates and Mexican rider Isaac del Toro, best young rider, dismounted their bikes to shake hands with him.

“Welcome to the Vatican. I’m pleased to greet you on this final stage of the Giro; I hope it will be a beautiful day for everyone,” Pope Leo XIV said in a brief address.

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“You are role models for all the youth of the world—not just in Italy—because cycling is one of the most important sports in the world,” added the first American pope in history, before offering his blessing to the riders.

The Giro previously passed through the Vatican in 1974 and 2000. This year’s route through the Vatican was initially planned as part of the Jubilee celebrations—a holy year held every 25 years when pilgrims from around the globe visit the city—but later became a tribute to Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21.

Elon Musk, who stepped down Friday as an advisor to U.S. President Donald Trump, lashed out at The New York Timesafter the newspaper published a report alleging he had consumed a high volume of drugs.

When asked about the report, Musk declined to comment on the specific allegations and instead criticized the newspaper’s credibility. He accused the outlet of previously spreading misinformation regarding alleged Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, which Trump won.

“Is this the same publication that won a Pulitzer Prize for false information about Russiagate? Is it the same organization? I believe it is!” Musk said, before quickly redirecting the conversation to another reporter.

According to The New York Times, Musk’s drug use during last year’s presidential campaign — in which he actively supported Trump — was allegedly “far more intense than previously known.”

Citing anonymous sources, the article claims Musk’s consumption went “well beyond occasional use.” Substances allegedly included ecstasy, psychedelic mushrooms, stimulants such as Adderall, and ketamine in such high quantities that it reportedly began to affect his bladder.

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The newspaper noted that it is unclear whether this alleged heavy use continued after Musk was appointed to Trump’s new Cabinet as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a role responsible for cutting public spending.

Taiwan has announced it will offer special government-backed loans to Taiwanese students studying at Harvard University who are facing financial difficulties following the U.S. government’s decision to freeze approximately $3.2 billion in funding to the institution.

According to Taiwan’s Central News Agency (CNA), the Ministry of Education specified that the loans will be available to students whose families earn less than $66,800 annually or who have more than two children studying abroad.

The loans, provided through seven Taiwanese banks, will offer up to 1.2 million New Taiwan dollars (around $40,000 USD) for master’s students, and up to 2.4 million (approximately $80,000 USD) for those pursuing doctoral degrees.

Currently, 52 Taiwanese students — including incoming enrollees — are studying at Harvard, according to the ministry.

The U.S. government recently suspended grants and contracts with Harvard worth $3.2 billion and temporarily barred the university from enrolling international students. The enrollment ban has since been paused by a court order.

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U.S. officials justified the move by citing civil rights concerns, accusing Harvard of “applying racial criteria in admissions” and “tolerating antisemitic behavior” on campus, while criticizing the institution’s allegedly “woke” ideological stance.

Harvard President Alan M. Garber described the freeze on international admissions as “a potentially devastating blow.” International students currently make up about 27% of Harvard’s 6,800-student body.