The Pope’s Holy Harley Hits the Auction Block

We’re not sure how many miles have been logged on the 2013 Harley-Davidson that was presented to Pope Francis last June to mark the MoCo’s 110 years in business, but it’s safe to assume that its condition is divine. The Pope, who signed the tank at a special Vatican ceremony in November, donated the two-tone Anniversary Bronze Dyna to Caritas Roma, which works on behalf of the Roman Catholic Church to support those in need around the world. Now the machine, along with a certificate of conformity from Harley-Davidson, is to be auctioned by Bonhams at the Grand Palais on February 6, 2014.

The no-reserve auction will take place in conjunction with Rétromobile Week and 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 hostel opened 30 years ago to help the homeless, jobless and the poor, and proceeds from the Harley-Davidson’s sale will allow it to continue providing food and accommodation to more than 1,000 people daily.

Ben Walker, head of motorcycles at Bonhams, said: “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.”

A full listing of sales is available on the Bonhams website.