The Pontiffs Harley, photo courtesy of Bonhams
Popes 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 manufacturers 110th anniversary celebrations. The machines 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 12,00015,000 (NZ$20,00025,000). 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 Romes 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
