‘Don Biker’ priest leads 200 motorcyclists to Pope’s Angelus in Castel Gandolfo
A Polish-born priest known as ‘Don Biker’ led 200 motorcyclists to the Pope’s Angelus after blessing their bikes and helmets.
Castel Gandolfo’s beloved ‘biker priest’ turned a quiet Sunday into a roar of faith and fellowship, leading about 200 motorcyclists to the Apostolic Palace for Pope Leo XIV’s Angelus prayer.
Father Tadeusz Rozmus, the parish priest of the lakeside town that hosts the Pope’s summer residence, began the day by blessing motorcycles and helmets near the Madonna del Lago church. Riders arrived on Harleys, Kawasakis, Hondas, BMWs, Ducatis, and even a Vespa, parking their machines in the church courtyard.
Inside, Rozmus celebrated an unusual Mass with helmets placed on the altar and motorcycles forming part of the congregation. His homily touched on brotherhood, road safety, respect for pedestrians and fellow riders, and remembrance of those killed in accidents.
Rozmus, who was born in Poland, said motorcycling is in his blood. “I was born as a biker, I was building motorcycles when I was young,” he said. He described the bike as “an instrument of evangelization,” helping people see priests as approachable and human. “When people see that there are also priests who have a motorcycling passion, this helps to get closer,” he added.
Simone Barbieri, head of Rome’s “Biker della Capitale” group, said the biker community is built on brotherhood and mutual aid. “When we see a biker on the side of a road, we stop, we ask if they need help,” he said. About 100 more bikes were still arriving as the service began.
Elisabetta Tirelli, a Catholic biker from Anzio, brought only her helmet for the blessing after a few falls. “My children said ‘Go get blessed first,’” she said. She spoke of the group’s solidarity, recalling night-time calls to help injured riders and the constant check-ins among members.
After Mass, Rozmus led the convoy to the Apostolic Palace, where Pope Leo XIV acknowledged the group during the Angelus. “I greet all you faithful from Castel Gandolfo and pilgrims from various countries,” he said, adding, “And also the bikers who are here for their annual meeting.”