All-electric motorsport series Formula E competed on the streets of Rome this weekend. But that's now the second most incredible thing about the event: earlier this week, the Pope blessed one of the race cars.
Formula E started in 2014 and is now in the fourth full season of racing. Some veteran racing fans do not like how quiet the cars are or argue they are slow. The series has said for a long time that this does not matter; Its goal is to attract fans who are new to racing, which is their own kind of problem.
I do not believe that an official blessing from the Holy See will help to overcome these obstacles, although it probably can not hurt. At least, the small but vibrant community of Formula E fans that yes now exists has a fantastic new photo to use as a fodder for their jokes when they activate Twitter during each race, a completely different kind of blessing.
The Dalai Lama could not be reached for comment.