MotoGP | Petrucci, Iannone, Marquez, Pedrosa and Miller talk about the meeting with Pope Francis

A MotoGP delegation including Danilo Petrucci, Andrea Iannone, Marc Marquez, Dani Pedrosa and Jack Miller, visited the Vatican to Papa Francesco. Also present were Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO Dorna and other characters from the paddock, such as Paolo Simoncelli, Francesco Guidotti and Davide Brivio.

“Dear friends, I greet you with affection”, are the words of Papa Francesco. “Your presence gives me the opportunity to say how important sport is in today's society. It fosters loyalty in interpersonal relationships, friendship and respect for rules. It is important that those involved in sport at various levels promote those human and Christian values ​​that are the basis of a more just and supportive society". The Pope underlined how sport can contribute to spreading human and Christian values. “The sporting event is expressed with a universal language that transcends borders, languages, races, religions and ideologies.”

Danilo Petrucci: “I have been to Rome here many times, but I have never had the chance to see the Pope in person. It was very emotional, he is a great person and said very kind words. He was incredible, he said special things for us, about passion and being a Champion in life before in sport. I will never forget, meeting the Pope is not something that happens every day. I'm very happy to be here in the Vatican, it's special and I think he could be helpful for the Misano race on Sunday!”

Andrea Iannone: “It's a truly incredible day for us, it's the first time I've come here to see the Pope and it's an incredible pleasure. I am a lucky man to have had this experience… I hope that from today, perhaps, I will have better luck! But jokingly, I really appreciate it. Thanks to MotoGP for this opportunity. I will remember it today and for the rest of my life, it's a really good experience.”

Marc Marquez: “It was a great day. I believe that, given the opportunity, one should meet the Pope at least once in a lifetime. We talked, what he told me was great in terms of understanding and motivation." Box colleague Pedrosa continues. “A unique opportunity. We play a dangerous sport, it's always nice to have additional motivation that gives you hope, I'm happy to have been here."

Dani Pedrosa: “It was really special and a unique opportunity to be able to meet the Pope and be able to share some words for myself and the other riders. We do an extreme sport and there are many risks so it is always important to feel good. This event is something special and I'm happy to be here.”

Jack Miller: “A day to tell your kids about. The Pope joked with us, saying that he would try our helmets, I imagined the scene. He is a fantastic personality. At the beginning of the year we met the Prime Minister of Thailand, it was a great experience, now the Pope. I feel a bit like an Australian diplomat.”