I have heard that Pope Francis is down-to-earth, but I did not know that he owned a motorcycle.  And not just any motorcycle – a hog – a Dyna Super Glide Harley-Davidson.  That is one heavenly ride, just not the ride one would expect for Pope Francis.  A papal motorcycle – can you imagine?  I can’t help but smile at the thought of the attention Pope Francis would garner as he cruised Vatican City.  It sounds like a Saturday Night Live sketch.

If you find the idea of Pope Francis riding a hog hard to swallow, never fear – he donated his ride to a Catholic charity.  The motorcycle was given to him back in June by Harley-Davidson to commemorate the company’s 110th anniversary.  The Pope signed the motorcycle which made it a one of a kind item.  It was auctioned off at almost 20 times its value ($328,300). The money generated will help pay for renovations to a local hostel and soup kitchen at Rome’s Termini railway station.

Now that sounds like the Pope Francis we know – the good soul who is concerned with the needs of the poor.  Not that a Pope on a hog would have been a bad thing.  The paparazzi could have snapped photos of him when he was out on his Sunday ride.  I can see the headline now – Vatican City’s favorite holy roller!  Yes,I know that was such a corny line that I need to say ten Hail Marys for penance.  Still, I bet God giggled a bit at the thought of that as well. 😉