Othodox Catholics probably turn up their noses and counted rosary beads, as they saw thousands of Harley–Davidson leather and vest clad bikers invade Via della Conciliazione and Saint Peter’s Square to be blessed by Pope Francis yesterday, ahead of the Angelus prayer.
The papal ‘motorcycle blessing’ was part of the four day event of Harley–Davidson’s 110th Anniversary celebrations that took part in the Eternal City, and saw the partecipation of over 100,000 enthusiasts of the American brand – some say up to 500,000 – in the European leg of the celebratory world tour that will touch 11 nations in six continents before the huge shindig in Milwaukee during the last weekend of August.
Mark-Hans Richer, Harley–Davidson senior vice-president presented Pope Francis with two white Harley–Davidson for the Vatican gendarmerie to use and a black leather jacket with an eagle on the back.
“Our promise to our customers is to offer them once-in-a-lifetime experiences that few other brands can fulfill,” said Mark-Hans Richer.
“Having our customers treated to the blessing today fulfills that promise of epic adventures.
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