Sold for charity; formerly the property of His Holiness, Pope Francis,
2013 Harley-Davidson 1,585cc FXDC Dyna Super Glide Custom
Frame no. 5HD1GV4D3DC306096
Engine no. GV4D306096
Celebrating its 110th anniversary, Harley-Davidson presented the newly elected Pope Francis with two of its motorcycles, plus a biker jacket, at a ceremony in Rome in June 2013. As part of the celebrations, Pope Francis blessed a gathering of some 800-or-so motorcyclists and their machines in St Peter's Square for his Sunday Angelus on 16th June. Addressing the enthusiastic assembly, the Pope warned them that 'power and pleasure', among other things, lead to God being 'replaced by fleeting human idol'. Food for thought.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he was ordained a priest in 1969 and in 1998 was appointed Archbishop of Buenos Aires, becoming a cardinal in 2001. He was elected Pope in March 2013. As a priest in Buenos Aires, Monsignor Bergoglio had become famous for his work with the poor and his preference for public transport. Indeed, after being elected Pope he travelled back to his hotel by bus with the other cardinals.
The Harley, though, is being put to exceptionally good use. Its fuel tank signed by Pope Francis, the machine has been donated to be sold in aid of Caritas Roma, founded over 30 years ago, tasked with sheltering the poor. Specifically, the funds raised by the sale will go to Caritas' Don Luigi di Liegro hostel and soup kitchen at Rome's Termini railway station. Speaking at a press conference in October 2013, Caritas Rome's director Monsignor Enrico Feroci said, 'It is a precious gift that has once again made us happy in feeling the closeness of our bishop to the poor of the Church of Rome. We are deeply grateful to Pope Francis for this.' The sale will help fund the renovation of the two facilities, which since 1987 have worked to relieve the suffering of around 1,000 less fortunate people every day. Monsignor Feroci thanked Pope Francis on behalf of all those who would benefit from 'this act of hospitality and solidarity.'
The machine is offered with Harley-Davidson Certificate of Conformity and a Papal Certificate signed by His Holiness' personal secretary, Monsignor Alfred Xuereb.
Footnotes
Saleroom notices
- Prospective purchasers should be aware that this motorcycle is to European specification and thus may require modification by a licensed motorcycle importer before it can be registered for road use in countries outside the European Union. You are advised to contact the relevant authority in the destination country prior to bidding. All importation, modification and registration charges will be at the purchaser's expense.
Les acheteurs intéressés par ce lot doivent tenir compte du fait que cette moto est aux normes européennes et qu'elle doit par conséquent être modifiée s'il y a lieu par un importateur professionnel agréé avant son immatriculation en vue d'un usage routier dans des pays non membres de l'Union Européenne. Il est donc conseillé de prendre contact avec les autorités compétentes du pays concerné avant d'enchérir. Tous les frais et taxes d'importation, de mise en conformité et d'immatriculation seront exclusivement à la charge de l'acheteur.