On the occasion of World Bicycle Day, this news network, in addition to celebrating, also reiterates the concern of previous Popes to this vehicle and its spirit.
(Vatican News Network)June 3rd is World Bicycle Day set by the United Nations. Regarding the relationship between bicycles and the Church, Pope Francis explained in his homily at the early morning Mass at Casa Santa Marta on April 24, 2018: “The balance of the Church is similar to the balance of the bicycle: it moves smoothly before OK, as soon as it stops, it falls.” The bicycle is also inseparable from our shared home. It is an important means of transportation that is sustainable, simple, affordable and environmentally friendly, helping to clean the air, reduce traffic congestion and make education, health care and other social services more accessible to the most vulnerable.
Cycling is also a healthy exercise. The Tour de France was born in 1903; six years later, in 1909, the first Giro d’Italia was held. In this context, Pius X and Benedict XV have blessed cycling. In the tragic years of World War II, a cyclist shines with humanity and faith: Gino Bartali risked his life to save many Jews persecuted by the Nazis. Back then, Batali used his bicycle to hide fake documents that might save nearly a thousand lives. Later, the athlete was awarded the title “Righteous Man of the World” by Israel, and was received by Pope Pius XII on June 26, 1946.
On June 3, 1963, the news of the death of Pope John XXIII reached the participants of the Giro d’Italia. The next day, the atmosphere was mourning and no awards were awarded. Even Franco Balmamion, who had the most outstanding performance of the year, participated in the competition with a mourning black gauze on his arm.
On May 30, 1964, Pope Paul VI met the Giro d’Italia cyclists as they passed through Rome. The Pope said: “I am delighted to see you passing through Rome this time… a new opportunity to express my love for all athletes and my respect for sport.” On May 16, 1974, the 57th Giro d’Italia passed by Vatican City State. Pope Paul VI said: “I commend you and the organizers of the civil competition for your willingness to stress so much your desire to add meaning to the Holy Year.”
In the Jubilee year of 2000, the Giro d’Italia started from Rome, and the first stage ended in St. Peter’s Square. Saint John Paul II congratulated the cyclists on 12 May of that year, saying: “May sport shine with clarity, consistency, sincerity and sharing. It is a meaning of the noble values of human nature. far-reaching carrier.”
In 2011, Pope Benedict XVI mentioned childhood memories of bicycles at the opportunity to be awarded the title of honorary citizen of Italy’s Naz-Sciaves. Benedict XVI said: “In 1940, when I was 13 years old, the three of us went on a bicycle trip for the first time to the North Tyrol region.”
On June 16, 2021, Pope Francis received Colombian athlete Egan Arley Bernal Gómez, the annual Giro d’Italia champion, at the end of his public reception on Wednesday. Speaking to this news network regarding his conversation with the Pope, Bernal said: “It was a unique experience. I grew up in a Catholic family. For me, this experience is more important than the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia. On that occasion, Bernal dedicated his bicycle and rose-coloured jersey to the Pope.
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