Source: Blog.motorcycle.com

Pope Francis will auction a Harley Davidson motorbike given to him as a gift. By selling the bike, he plans to use the proceeds for a hostel in Rome for homeless people.

The auction is part of the pontiff's simple lifestyle, shunning expensive vehicles such as the Mercedes Benz used by his predecessor, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, and opting for a less expensive Fiat during his recent visits to Brazil and Lampedusa.

The motorbike is a gift from Harley Davidson fans to celebrate the 110th anniversary of the iconic motorbike brand from the U.S in June 2013. About 35,000 bikers, whom the pontiff blessed, packed Vatican City during the event.

The money raised by the auction of the motorbike, often linked with gangs such as Hell's Angels, will be used to refurbish a hostel and soup kitchen operated by Caritas, located near the Termini station in Rome.

The cost of a Harley Davidson 2013 model in the U.S. starts from $7,999 for the Sportsfest XL 883N model to $37,599 for the Ultra Classic Electra Guide CVO FLNTCUSE6 model. However, the one from Pope Francis is expected to be fetch a higher price because of it being owned by the leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

Commenting on the money gift from Pope Francis, Caritas of Rome Diocese Director Msgr Enrico Feroci said, "It's a precious gift which has made use happy once again, made us feel the closeness of our Bishop to the poor of the Church of Rome ... We are extremely grateful to Pope Francis for this," The Telegraph quoted the director.