LA Times Reports 2013 Harleys Will Receive Pope’s Blessing at Vatican
by John Coyle
HDForums
The Los Angeles Times has reported that “Pope Benedict XVI will bless [ Harley-Davidsons ] at the Vatican next June as part of the Milwaukee manufacturer’s 110th anniversary.” Want to know more? So would I! But there aren’t many details available just yet.
One one hand, this makes perfect sense, because nothing encompasses the spirit of Harley-Davidson motorcycles like the approval of an authority figure. Especially when that authority figure is a celibate, elaborately costumed octogenarian who is the spiritual leader of one of the world’s largest religions (and smallest country). OK. Maybe it doesn’t make perfect sense.
But Pope John Paul II famously blessed the Ferrari factory, and actually ditched his Popemobile for a Mondial on a tour of Fiorano. John Paul II was also the recipient of the last production Enzo–which was sold for charity–so it’s not like this is the first time His Holiness has every blessed a vehicle. And since the 110th anniversary celebrations include events all over the world, the Hog’s audience with the Pope doesn’t seem as out there as it initially might, and in heavily Catholic Italy, should generate some nice press for the MoCo.
It’s not clear whether His Holiness will ditch the Popemobile for a 2013 CVO Breakout, but rumors suggest he’s considering repealing Vatican City’s helmet law.