(ANSA) - VATICAN CITY, JUN 16 - Pope Francis met recent Giro
d'Italia winner Egan Bernal of Colombia after his weekly general
audience on Wednesday.
Bernal gave the pope his bicycle and the winner's pink jersey
saying "it was a special meeting to give him a present from all
Colombians".
The pope jocularly asked Bernal how many coffees he drank before
competing and then blessed him and his fiancée Maria Fernanda
Motas.
Bernal added: "I'm a Catholic and I pray before the most
difficult stages".
Asked about the doping scandals that have dogged cycling down
the years, Bernal told reporters: "Cycling is today one of the
most controlled sports and for me it is one of the cleanest
sports".
During the general audience Francis continued his cathechesis on
Jesus saying "He was not a philanthropist but he prays God for
us". (ANSA).
Pope meets Giro winner Bernal after general audience
Rider gives Francis bike and jersey 'for all Colombians'