The Vatican will not host the 2024 Summer Olympics

Rome will not be using the Vatican for events at the 2024 Olympics should their bid be successful according to a top Italian Sports Official.

The Pope reportedly met with head of the Italian Olympic Committee in December to discuss the possibility of hosting sporting events both in the Vatican Gardens and at the Papal summer palace at Castel Gandolfo.

Yesterday, Giovanni Malago, president of the Italian Olympic Committee confirmed that an event like archery could not be held in the Vatican.

“Islamic, Hebrew, Catholic, they will be co-protagonists,” he said, “it would not be right to involve the Vatican in our bid.”

Despite no use of the world’s smallest country in the Rome bid, other key sites may be used.

Rome’s mayor, Ignazio Marino, has proposed using the Colosseum for medal ceremonies.

Other cities to have officially declared are Budapest, Hamburg and Paris.