(FILES) This file picture taken on February 22, 1975 in Rome shows Pope Paul VI (L) shaking hands with Italian cyclist Felice Gimondi while Belgian rider Eddy Mercks (C) looks on. Pope Benedict XVI signed on December 20, 2012 at the Vatican a decree recognising the “heroic virtues” of late pope Paul VI, putting him on the first step towards beatification and eventual sainthood. AFP PHOTO / FILES (Photo credit should read -/AFP/Getty Images)