This morning, the Pope received in audience, in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, a delegation of the Italian Motorcycling Federation.

The following is the Holy Father’s greeting to those present:

Greeting of the Holy Father

Dear friends, good morning!

I welcome you. I greet your president and you, the Italian Motorcycling Federation.

As a sports federation, you have the task of managing and discipling motorcycling in the national territory and of representing it at international level. In promoting and protecting these activities, I encourage you to engage in raising awareness of respect for the rules of the road safety code.

The dissemination of road safety education - also provided for by your statutes through the organization of courses in schools – is a credit to you. In this way, you have the opportunity to promote reflection among young people, who admire “motorbike” champions but are often unaware of the dangers.

Indeed, there are many victims of road accidents, and many are young! In many cases, poor knowledge or failure to apply safety rules endangers the safety not only of the driver, but also that of others. That is why time spent on educational initiatives in this regard is an investment in life. Thank you for all you do to help and educate along these lines!

I wish you all the best in your activity, and I bless you all, from my heart. You too, pray for me, because I am in need of prayers. Why? Because my work is very accelerated, and my bike has aged and doesn’t work properly! Thank you.