Cardinal Jean-Paul Vesco Runs Historic Marathon with Cancer-Stricken Friend through the Streets of Rome

On March 23, the streets of Rome were filled with the pounding of thousands of feet as the annual Rome Marathon took place.

Among the runners was a unique participant: Franco-Algerian Cardinal Jean-Paul Vesco, OP, who became the first cardinal in the 44-year history of the event to take part.

Beneath his marathon jersey, Vesco wore the white habit of a Dominican friar, blending faith and sport in a remarkable public statement.

“Running has been a part of my life since childhood,” Vesco shared with EWTN News.

“I love it, and I’ve already run several marathons, including the New York Marathon 37 years ago.”

The Spiritual Lessons of the Marathon

In a Mass on March 21 for marathon participants, Cardinal Vesco reflected on how running mirrors life’s fragility and spiritual depth.

He described moments of exhaustion during the race as opportunities to connect with something larger than oneself.

“At some point, our strength will fail, and we must make a leap of faith beyond our own abilities,” Vesco said.

“That moment challenges us, but it can also be a time for prayer and self-discovery.”

His words framed the marathon as not just a physical endeavor but a spiritual journey, a “school of prayer” where personal limits become a gateway to deeper reflection.

A Heroic Partnership Across Faiths

Cardinal Vesco ran alongside his longtime friend, Khaled Boudaoui, an Algerian Muslim.

Boudaoui, who had competed in last year’s Rome Marathon, had recently been diagnosed with a tumor and started chemotherapy just 25 days before the race.

Despite these challenges, the two crossed the finish line together, embodying resilience and camaraderie.

“Khaled is my hero,” Vesco said. “Even while sick, we wanted to finish together.

A marathon is like life: we don’t run against each other, but with each other—a race of brotherhood.”

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Boudaoui added, “Running was extremely difficult after starting chemotherapy, but Jean-Paul encouraged me.

We ran to show others facing illness that they too can overcome obstacles and build bridges through friendship.”

Pope Francis Inspires Catholic Participation

The Vatican’s sports team, Atletica Vaticana, has been a presence at the Rome Marathon since 2019, inspired by Pope Francis’ vision of inclusion.

Giampaolo Mattei, the team’s president, explained that the team prioritizes values like community and solidarity over religious identity.

“We were inspired by Pope Francis’ example,” Mattei said.

“Our team is open to everyone. We focus on being together, supporting the disabled, and helping the poor.”

Spiritual and Social Initiatives

Atletica Vaticana promotes several faith-driven initiatives alongside the marathon.

“La Coppa degli Ultimi,” or the “Cup of the Last,” honors runners who embody hope and perseverance.

Participants of all faiths could also submit prayer intentions before the race, which were offered during Mass with Cardinal Vesco.

Vice president Valentina Giacometti explained, “Each runner wrote ‘I ran for…’ on their card.

These intentions were presented to the Lord during the Mass, creating a spiritual connection among all participants.”

After the marathon, team members and volunteers serve meals to the homeless at Rome’s central train station, Roma Termini.

Sister Marié-Theo Puybareau Manaud, who ran the race herself, described the practice as living the message of universal fraternity outlined in Pope Francis’ 2020 encyclical, Fratelli Tutti.

“Sport and service are intertwined,” she said.

“We run not just for ourselves but with and for others, especially the poorest, offering hope and solidarity.”

Impact and Consequences

Cardinal Vesco’s participation represents a new bridge between faith and sport, emphasizing inclusivity, resilience, and interfaith solidarity.

His run highlights the potential of public figures to inspire both spiritual reflection and social action.

The partnership with Boudaoui demonstrates how athletics can become a medium for courage and communal support.

What’s Next?

The Vatican’s initiatives, from prayer cards to outreach for the poor, are expected to expand in future races.

Cardinal Vesco and Atletica Vaticana aim to continue using sport as a platform for interfaith collaboration and social service.

The story of this marathon could inspire other religious and public figures worldwide to engage with communities in new, unifying ways.

Summary

Cardinal Jean-Paul Vesco made history at the Rome Marathon by running in his Dominican habit, alongside his friend Khaled Boudaoui, an Algerian Muslim battling cancer.

The marathon became a stage for spirituality, interfaith solidarity, and social service, reflecting Pope Francis’ vision of inclusion and universal brotherhood.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Cardinal Vesco is the first cardinal to participate in the 44-year history of the Rome Marathon.
• Marathon running was framed as a spiritual exercise and a “school of prayer.”
• Vesco ran alongside his friend Khaled Boudaoui, who began chemotherapy only 25 days prior.
• Atletica Vaticana, inspired by Pope Francis, encourages inclusion and service to the poor.
• Spiritual initiatives included prayer cards and “La Coppa degli Ultimi” to honor hope and perseverance.
• Post-race service to Rome’s homeless demonstrates the practical application of universal fraternity.