Pope Francis encourages MotoGP racers to live with passion

Pope chats with racing drivers

Source: Vatican Media

Pope Francis met today with a delegation of riders competing in the San Marino and Rimini Coast's motorcycle Grand Prix Octo. The race takes place this coming Sunday, 9 September in the northeastern Italian town of Misano Adriatico, near the Republic of San Marino.

Speaking to the MotoGP racers, Pope Francis said sport is an irreplaceable educational tool, especially for young people.

Sport, he said, "stimulates a healthy transcendence of self and self-centeredness, teaches a spirit of sacrifice, and, if done well, inspires loyalty in interpersonal relationships, friendship, and respect for rules."