Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Harley-Davidson bikers flock to St Peter's Square for Pope's blessing

Bikers had descended upon the Italian capital from around the world to attend concerts and parades marking the manufacturer’s 110th anniversary

Heather Saul
Tuesday 18 June 2013 07:40 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Leather clad cyclists joined nuns, tourists and Catholic pilgrims to receive a blessing from Pope Francis in Rome on Sunday.

The bikers parked their vehicles on the Via della Conciliazione parking lot leading to the Vatican and waited for the Pope to pass by and bless them.

The Harley Davidson bikers had descended upon the Italian capital from around the world to attend concerts and parades marking the manufacturer’s 110th anniversary.

On Wednesday, the Pope accepted two Harley Davidson motorbikes for the Vatican police force and a jacket from the 35,000 Harley Davidson fans gathered in the city.

The Pope made the sign of the cross to the bikers whilst reciting the ‘Our Father’ prayer as he was escorted down the boulevard leading to St Paul’s Square before the mass began.

The thundering motorbikes reportedly almost drowned out the sermon.

Video: Pope blesses bikers

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in