Rome - The Omega Stadium in Rome has long been frequented by residents of the listed area as well as priests, nuns and Monsigers near the nearby Vatican city. Moreover, to the joy of the gymnasium staff, they will become the pope.

Robert Prevost came to the Vatican from Peru in 2023 to serve as head of the office that rejects bishop nominations around the world. Cardinal Prevost sweated for two years at Omega until earlier this month when he was elected Pope Leo Xiv.

"When the pope was announced, my phone rang and my son told me, 'Dad, it's Robert! Robert, our member!'" Francesco Tamburlani, owner of the gym, said in an interview. "I heard the fitness staff cheering behind him. … It moved us and filled with joy."

According to his personal trainer Valerio Masella, it was a typical exercise for people of Prevost age, a warm-up for the little-known American cardinal. Although it is difficult to define an age group for personalized plans, Prevost's plans are more suitable for men aged 50-55. Masella trains him twice or three times a week, lasting until an hour.

So, how much does the Pope bench cost? Masella can't say about his Pope power, as Prevost focuses on posture and cardiovascular capacity. He ran to his favorite treadmill and faced with frescoes containing famous local landmarks, including St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican.

"We're going to start slow and then get very strong. Especially with a lot of drag on a sport bike, it's a very powerful climb," Masella said.

During their two years of training, Masella never knew Prevost was a cardinal, nor did she hear him say a frustrating word.

"I don't think I've ever heard him comment on anything that isn't positive. He's always positive about everything - the weather, the city, the people, to me, he says he likes the gym."

A Vatican spokesman did not respond when asked to comment.

Sports Pope is nothing new. Pope John Paul II was elected at the age of 58 and is an avid skier and mountain hiker.

Chicago-born Prevost plays tennis. On May 15, he met Jannik Sinner, a ranked player who gave him a racket and proposed to play on the Italian Open day off. Leo said earlier this week that reporters suggested he would compete in charity competitions.

In 2023, after Prevost took over Dicastery, the Vatican bishop, said in an interview with Augustine's order that his new job left him with little time to practice his game. Although the Mediterranean climate makes tennis possible throughout the year, the Pope may give him fewer opportunities to enter the courtroom.

Omega owner Tamburlani said that the Holy Father is welcomed back no matter when he wants to squeeze during his workout. After all, his members are still active.

"It will make us very happy," he said. "We will organize the gym to ensure his safety and privacy. We just need a sign."