By Morgan Cobb

His Holiness, Pope Francis, is auctioning his 2013 Harley-Davidson 1,585cc FXDC Dyna Super Glide Custom in the Bonhams Paris auction of vintage and classic motorcycles and autos on February 6. According to the catalogue, Harley-Davidson celebrated its 110-year anniversary by presenting the newly elected Pope Francis with two of its motorcycles and a biker jacket at a ceremony in Rome in June 2013.

With papal pageantry, Pope Francis then blessed a gathering of some 800-or-so bikers in St Peter's Square for his June 16th Sunday Angelus.

Hundreds of Harley-Davidson enthusiasts from all over the world received the pope's blessing on Sunday, drawing cheers and applause from pilgrims gathered in St Peter's Square for a pro-life mass.Duration: 01:01

Regarding this interesting provenance, the (humorous) Bonhams cataloguer remarks: "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."

The motorcycle has an auction estimate of $16,000 - $20,000 USD. We have inquired with Bonhams as to whether His Holiness actually took this bike for a spin, which could add a new dimension to the short, but fascinating story behind this item. The sale of this motorcycle is a terrifically charitable gesture, as the proceeds will benefit a soup kitchen in Rome that serves the needy. We recommend that you read the press release and full catalogue entry on the item. Happy Bidding!