Faith, Sport and Improvement in the Eternal City

Cardinal Marathoneta Conquers Rome: Faith, Sports and Improvement in the Eternal City

Jean-Paul Vesco, the French cardinal, crosses the finish line in the 2026 Rome Marathon, proving that devotion and resistance can go hand in hand.

Rome, March 23, 2026. The streets of the Eternal City vibrated this morning with the energy of thousands of runners, but among the crowd, one participant captured the attention of locals and strangers: French Cardinal Jean-Paul Vesco. Affectionately known as the 'Cardinal Marathoner', Vesco joined the prestigious Rome Marathon, not only to indulge his passion for athletics, but also to challenge his own limits and leave an indelible mark on the heart of global Catholicism.

The queen of athletics, with its 42,195 kilometers Out of pure demand, he gave the starting signal at the foot of the imposing Colosseum. The tour, a scenic journey through Rome's most iconic monuments, culminated at the historic Circus Maximus. Vesco, dressed in tights, a T-shirt with his number and the white and yellow colors of the Vatican flag, merged with the 32,000 participants of all nationalities, united by the same objective: to complete the distance.

Under a sky that threatened rain, the cardinal not only sought to enjoy the experience, but also to pulverize his personal best of 2 hours, 53 minutes and 38 secondsestablished at the New York Marathon in 1989. An ambitious goal that reflects the dedication and competitive spirit that define this man of faith and accomplished athlete.

Jean-Paul Vesco's career is as fascinating as his presence on the starting line. Since he was young, he dreamed of being a professional athlete, a passion that contrasted with the destiny that awaited him. After studying law and practicing as a lawyer, an encounter with the priestly vocation in 1994 led him to wear the white habit of the Order of Preachers, the Dominicans.

Ordained a priest in 2001, his path took him to Algeria, the country of which he holds nationality. There, his ecclesiastical leadership grew until he was named archbishop of Oran and, later, of Algiers. The culmination of his career came in 2024when Pope Francis elevated him to the highest ecclesiastical rank: that of cardinal. Vesco, one of the youngest cardinal electors, actively participated in the conclave that elected the current pope, Leo XIV, a pontiff also known for his love of sports, especially tennis.

On the eve of the race, the cardinal celebrated an emotional mass in the Ara Coeli church, a moment of deep reflection on the importance of sport. “Running occupies an important place in the life of each of us. It is a sport, but even more than that, it seems like a therapy since it contributes greatly to our life balance,” he shared with those present, highlighting the marathon as a “school of life.”

Vesco emphasized the dimension of unity that transcends competition: “Tomorrow we will not run against each other but united with others, facing the kilometers together, each at their own pace. There are not many competitions in which we are only teammates, not rivals.” A message of brotherhood that resonated strongly among the athletes.

As a sign of this philosophy, the cardinal revealed that he would run alongside his Algerian “friend and brother” Khaled, a man who has been battling cancer for a decade. “He is my hero,” Vesco confessed, underscoring the deep human connection that transcends any barrier.

Vesco's participation was not solitary. He joined the 'Vatican Athletics' team, a diverse group made up of religious, officials and citizens of the small papal state. Among them, stood out six members of the Swiss Guardsecular guardians of the popes, and the French nun Sister Marie-Théo, nicknamed “the marathon of God.”

The marathon route skirted St. Peter's Square, where thousands of faithful awaited the words of Pope Leo XIV. After praying the Angelus, the American pontiff dedicated a few words to the sporting event, praising the diversity of nationalities of the runners as a “sign of hope.” “May sport trace paths of peace, social inclusion and spirituality!” proclaimed the pope, validating the vision of the cardinal marathon runner.

The 2026 Rome Marathon was not just an athletic competition, but a testament to how faith, perseverance and sportsmanship can converge, inspiring thousands to achieve their goals, both on the track and in life.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Who is Jean-Paul Vesco?

Jean-Paul Vesco is a French cardinal, archbishop of Algiers, known for his passion for athletics and his participation in marathons.

What personal best were you looking to beat in the Rome Marathon?

His goal was to improve his personal best of 2 hours, 53 minutes and 38 seconds, achieved in the New York marathon in 1989.

When were you made cardinal?

He was elevated to the rank of cardinal in 2024 by Pope Francis.

What team did Cardinal Vesco represent in the marathon?

He ran with the 'Atletica Vaticana' team, made up of members of the Vatican.

Who accompanied Cardinal Vesco in the race?

He ran alongside members of the Swiss Guard, the nun Sister Marie-Théo and his Algerian friend Khaled.

What message did Pope Leo XIV convey about the marathon?

The pope highlighted the marathon as an example of coexistence and a sign of hope, hoping that sport promotes peace and inclusion.

What was the official distance of the Rome Marathon?

The official distance was 42,195 kilometers.

How many participants did the 2026 Rome Marathon have?

32,000 people registered for the 2026 edition.

Where did the marathon start and end?

The race began at the foot of the Colosseum and ended at the Circus Maximus.

What reflections did Cardinal Vesco make about sport?

He reflected on sport as a therapy, a school of life and a promoter of unity between people.

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