5,000 MOTORCYCLISTS GATHER IN ROME, AND IN ST. PETER'S SQUARE, POPE LEO XIV PERFORMS THE BLESSING OF THE HELMETS. THE CHARITY PROJECT “CASCHI PER IL CUORE” (HELMETS FOR HEARTS), WITH MOTOGP RIDER MARCO BEZZECCHI AS SPOKESPERSON
FMI press release, 7 October 2025 – An extraordinary event brought together over 5,000 motorcyclists from all over Italy on Saturday, October 4th, in S. Peter’s Square in Rome for the Motorcyclists’ Jubilee – Helmet Blessing. A highly memorable day which brought together the world of motorcycling, in the name of faith, passion and the spirit of sharing.
The Holy Father with a little girl from the group of motorcyclists @ Vatican Media.
From the early hours of the morning, in the evocative dawn light over St. Peter's Square, motorcyclists began to gather in excitement at the IMF reception point. Here, they collected their welcome kits, containing flags, scarves, pins and other official symbols of the Federation, designed to celebrate the unique nature of this event, and provide participants with a souvenir to remind them of the day. Next, they headed to the reserved area in the square, where the atmosphere was brimming with anticipation and excitement.
Blessing of helmets @ Vatican Media.
The key moment arrived when Pope Leo XIV blessed the helmets of thousands of motorcyclists, who raised them to the sky in an extraordinarily powerful collective gesture, transforming this occasion into a symbol of togetherness, faith and protection. A profound, shared emotion, destined to remain etched in the memory of all those in attendance.
Parvise in St. Peter's Square, Rome. FMI delegation received by the Pope. Photo courtesy.
Caschi per il Cuore (‘Helmets for Hearts’). The arrival of the Federation Delegation at the parvise was another great moment, as they were received by the Holy Father at the end of the audience. To mark the occasion, the Pope was presented with a special helmet from the “Caschi per il Cuore” (Helmets for Hearts) project, an innovative initiative with a deep human value conceived by Alessandra Isabella Ardelean, founder of E20 Motors Srls. The helmet in question is a unique model featuring drawings created by children in hospital, offered up as a symbol of the collective gift from all motorcyclists. In addition, a second helmet, signed by the Holy Father, will be donated to the charity initiative, further strengthening the message of solidarity and closeness that characterised the entire day.
MotoGP rider Marco Bezzecchi, spokesperson for “Caschi per il Cuore” (Helmets for Hearts), raced at the Italian Grand Prix in Mugello (June 2025) wearing a special helmet designed to support the charity project, featuring drawings by young patients which were displayed in the Aprilia Racing team pit. The rider's account on his blog:
https://simplythebez.com/mugello-vietato-dire-che-non-ce-la-faccio
The Motorcyclists' Jubilee therefore proved to be an event of historic significance, which united thousands of enthusiasts in their belief in the values of spirituality, community and social responsibility - a day that will remain in the memory of all those who participated.
Rome, 4 October 2025, FMI welcome point. Photo courtesy.
Giuseppe Bartolucci, Deputy Vice President: “Emotional is an understatement. I feel honoured to have been able to attend the Holy Father's Mass in person, on such an important occasion for our Federation. A privilege I will never forget.”
Rocco Lopardo, FMI Vice President and Coordinator of the FMI Tourism and Leisure Commission: “An unforgettable day. Seeing a square packed with motorcycling enthusiasts from all over Italy was a source of enormous pride for the Federation. An event of this magnitude acts as a symbol of an important movement; it serves as confirmation of our spirit as motorcyclists. A sense of sharing, a sense of belonging, friendship, solidarity. The incredible “Helmets for Hearts” initiative and the meeting with the Holy Father, who was given a helmet created by children in truly difficult situations, were deeply moving moments. I am profoundly grateful to have been able to experience all of this, and to have represented our community.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DLJ-yOqNo7H/?hl=it&img_index=2
https://www.instagram.com/explore/search/keyword/?q=%23caschiperilcuore&hl=it
Alessandra Isabella Ardelean, Founder E20motors: “Caschi per il Cuore” (Helmets for Hearts) is a project inspired by my passion for motorsports. I spent a lot of time in hospitals, so I wanted to combine the two worlds. With the help of EMG Eventi, I have created this project with my company E20motors. With the children in the hospitals, we created drawings that were transformed into the graphics for the helmets.
The spokesperson for the project is Marco Bezzecchi, MotoGP rider (Aprilia Racing team, ed.). The helmets will be auctioned and the proceeds will be divided between two associations: “Bimbo Tu” in Bologna and “Regina Margherita” in Turin. Today's meeting with Pope Leo XIV represented the achievement of a dream for me, and for the entire project.
CASCHI PER IL CUORE: https://caschiperilcuore.it/
Press release of the FMI-The Italian Motorcycling Federation https://www.federmoto.it/).
SOCIAL MEDIA CORNER – VIDEOS OF THE EVENT ON INSTAGRAM FEDERMOTO.IT:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPZPYcLjLQF/?hl=it
WIDE REWIND – EVENT PREVIEW:
https://wide.piaggiogroup.com/en/articles/events/the-fmi-italian-motorcycling-federation-organises-the-motorcyclists-jubilee-rome-4-october-2025/index.html
