Your chance to own a Holy Davidson

The Pontiffs Harley, photo courtesy of Bonhams

Pope’s Harley goes under the hammer

One of two motorcycles gifted to His Holiness Pope Francis by Harley Davidson was auctioned on 6 February in Paris, with proceeds going to charity. The ‘bike was presented to the Pope in June 2013 as part of the American manufacturer’s 110th anniversary celebrations. The machine’s tank was signed by Pope Francis and came with a Papal Certificate as well as a Harley-Davidson Certificate of Conformity. Auctioneers Bonhams are selling a custom motorcycle jacket presented at the same time.

Estimate for the auction was set at a seemingly low €12,000–15,000 (NZ$20,000–25,000). It finally sold for NZ$406,637, with the funds going to a charity called Caritas Roma to help with the renovation of a hostel and soup kitchen at Rome’s Termini railway station.

Auction details on the Bonhams website

Pope Francis signing the bike, photo courtesy of L'Osservatore Romano

Cover photo courtesy of L'Osservatore Romano