I'm most impressed by the Russian writers, so I love reading the works of Tolstoy and Dostoyevsky. Another author who has informed the way I think is the French philosopher, Blaise Pascal.

When I was very young, I started trying to sing like the great tenor Mario Lanza; my family used to play his records. We all learn best by imitating others.

Often, I went in love with some friends in school. And, no, I suffered. Only later, things went better.

I know that my passion is for opera, but sometimes I like also to sing songs, because there are many beautiful melodies.

I like to windsurf and ski, and most of all I love to ride horses. The wilder and faster the better! If I'm presented with a fast horse or a fast boat, I still get that shiver of excitement and I cannot resist. Luckily I never seem to have any accidents, and thank God for that.

I've always been on the side of science that tries to help man. I play an active part with the foundations I'm involved in. Science gives hope.

It is not Christian to go against someone. I am in favour of life.