When you think of the Vatican, roaring motorcycles and leather-clad riders might not be the first image that comes to mind. But in 2014, Pope Francis turned heads worldwide by auctioning a custom Harley-Davidson gifted to him—and the story behind it is a wild blend of faith, philanthropy, and two-wheeled passion.
From Vatican Blessing to Auction Block
In June 2013, Harley-Davidson celebrated its 110th anniversary with a global tour, including a massive rally in Rome. The climax? A meeting with Pope Francis himself.
Harley execs gifted the Pontiff two bikes: a 2013 FXDC Dyna Super Glide Custom and a Heritage Softail Classic, plus a leather jacket emblazoned with the anniversary logo.
The scene was unforgettable: over 1,400 Harleys rumbled through St. Peter’s Square, their V-twin engines nearly drowning out prayers. Pope Francis, ever the people’s pontiff, blessed the bikes and riders during a Mass, declaring, “Life is a journey… keep moving forward!”
The event fused Harley’s rebel spirit with papal grace—nuns mingled with bikers in leather vests, creating a viral moment that resonated far beyond the Vatican.
But the real magic happened months later. In November 2013, Pope Francis signed the fuel tank of that Dyna Super Glide with his name, “Francesco,” transforming it from a stock bike into a holy grail of motorcycle memorabilia.
Why a $16K Harley Sold for 25x Its Value
The motorcycle’s base value hovered around €12,000–€15,000 (roughly $16,000–$20,500). But papal provenance changes everything.
Bonhams, the auction house tasked with selling the bike, leaned hard into its unique story. They positioned it at their prestigious Les Grandes Marques du Monde sale in Paris during Rétromobile Week—a hotspot for deep-pocketed collectors. Marketing emphasized three key factors:
- The Pope’s Signature: A tangible link to his humility and global influence.
- Charity: 100% of proceeds funded renovations for Rome’s Don Luigi di Liegro hostel, a shelter serving 1,000+ homeless daily.
- No Reserve: Bidders knew the bike would sell, regardless of price.
The result? A six-minute bidding war ended with a €241,500 ($328,000) final price, including fees. The anonymous European buyer paid 25x the bike’s value. Even the Pope’s signed leather jacket fetched €57,500 ( $77,500)—a record for Harley apparel.
Pope’s signed leather jacket fetched $77,500
Where the Money Went
That €299,000 total ($405,000) wasn’t just a headline. It turbocharged Caritas Roma’s mission to renovate the Don Luigi di Liegro center, a critical hub near Rome’s Termini station that offers meals, showers, and beds.
By 2015, the renovated hostel reopened as a “Holy Door” during Pope Francis’ Jubilee of Mercy—a symbolic nod to compassion. The upgrades modernized facilities, improving hygiene and safety for vulnerable Romans. Monsignor Enrico Feroci of Caritas Roma called the funds a “precious gift,” proving even a motorcycle could fuel profound change.
Read: What Truly Makes Pope Francis Motorcycle Blessing Legendary
Bikers Weigh In: Respect, Laughter, and a Little Envy
So, how did riders react? Scouring motorcycle communities reveals a mix of admiration and humor:
- “Turning chrome into bread. That’s what Jesus would do.” Many praised the Pope’s decision to auction a gift (not buy a bike) for charity, aligning with his humble image.
- “Sons of Divinity MC when?” Jokes about papal biker gangs and Pope Francis rocking a “black cutoff and pope-hat helmet” went viral.
- “That buyer’s garage is holier than my local church.” Envy aside, the sale spotlighted Harley’s cultural reach—even the Vatican isn’t immune to its allure.
While some questioned the buyer’s motives (“Who drops $300K on a Pope bike?”), most agreed that blending motorcycles with meaningful charity is a win.
Provenance Meets Purpose
The Pope’s Harley isn’t just a quirky footnote. It’s a case study of how storytelling and purpose amplify value. Ben Walker of Bonhams said: “I’ve never had more interest in one motorcycle.”
For riders, the lesson is clear: Motorcycles aren’t just machines—they’re vessels for connection. So next time you hit the road, remember: Your bike might not have a papal signature, but every mile can still be a force for good.
