TIME Person of the Year for 2013, coolest pontiff, and first pope to do a selfie are among the informal titles Catholics and non-Catholics have bestowed the beloved Pope Francis. On Feb. 6, Bonhams will be conducting an auction of what can be dubbed as a "Holy Bike" owned by a "Holy Biker."
A Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide with an engine displacement of 1,585cc and the name "Francesco" inscribed on its fuel tank will cross the auction block for the Retromobile Week at the Grand Palais in Paris . The motorcycle is owned by no other than Pope Francis. It was presented to him as a gift by the motorcycle manufacturer in commemoration of its 110th anniversary in June last year. The leader of the Catholic Church signed the tank of Dyna Super Glide during a special ceremony in November at the Vatican.
The said Harley will be auctioned to benefit charity and raise funds for Caritas Roma, a charitable group that works for the Roman Catholic church. According to reports, there will also be a Harley-Davidson leather jacket that will be sold off during the auction. That item also bears the signature of the Pope.
"It was donated to the charity by Pope Francis, who is famous for his work with the poor and his preference for modest modes of transport. Keeping charity and transport at the forefront of his mind, the Harley-Davidson, which has an estimate of €12,000-15,000 [$16,410 to $20,500], is to be sold with no reserve in aid of Caritas Roma," said Bonhams through a press statement. "Funds raised by the sale will go towards the renovation of the charity's Don Luigi di Liegro hostel and soup kitchen based at Rome's Termini railway station."
The Argentine priest Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected Pope in March 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI in February of the same year. Pope Francis has been known for his love for the poor since his days as an ordinary priest. The pontiff is driven around Vatican in a Ford, another concrete way of showing his modesty, instead of a luxurious limousine that can be afforded by the church.
"We are incredibly honored to be selling this item on behalf of Caritas Roma. We hope to be able to do both Pope Francis and Harley-Davidson proud by raising a significant amount of money for a very worthy cause," said Bonhams head of motorcycles Ben Walker.
