The Omega Fitness Club has become the most famous gym in Rome in recent weeks. That’s because one of its more than 1,000 members became Pope Leo XIV on May 8th.
FIND THE POPE'S BIOGRAPHY HERE
Omega Fitness Club President, Alessandro Tamburlani, says:
“I won’t lie—I let out a loud shout! It was a joy that felt double, even triple. First, the joy of having a new Holy Father after a time of deep mourning. Then, the joy of knowing that he’s a truly remarkable person. And finally, the joy of realizing that he’s someone we all had the chance to meet right here at the gym.”
When he was Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost often took long walks around the Borgo neighborhood, just steps from St. Peter's Square. He lived in a simple apartment on Via di Porta Angelica, very close to this gym, until less than two months ago, when he moved into a residence reserved for senior Vatican officials in the Sant’Uffizio building, which also houses the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith.
Tamburlani notes, “He was just like any other member you’ve seen here today. He wore simple workout clothes like everyone else. Often, he was accompanied by his assistant while he trained.”
A well-known tennis enthusiast, then-Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost would spend his free time using the cardio machines, but also the stationary bikes and treadmills, designed to improve cardiovascular endurance and burn calories. A fitness-conscious Pope, offering an example of the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle.
Tamburlani highlights, “He’s a small beacon that shows us all: if he can do it, we can all take care of ourselves and exercise.”
Further he thinks, “It’s a great message for all of us. In today’s fast-paced world, where we’re constantly rushing, it encourages us to become more aware of our bodies and to start taking control of them.
“Leading us toward an excellent experience that combines spirituality and physical training.”
At the gym, they don’t know whether he will continue his workouts there, but they confirm that Leo XIV remains a registered member, and they’re ready to welcome him anew with open arms.
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Adapted by Jacob Stein
Produced by Victoria Cardiel; Camera: Patrick Leonard; Video Editor: Patrick Leonard; Special thanks & Credits: Omega Fitness Club
As a journalist, Victoria Cardiel has specialized in social and religious news. Since 2013, she has covered the Vatican for various media outlets, including Europa Press and Alfa and Omega, the weekly newspaper of the Archdiocese of Madrid.
