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Holy bidding war begins after Pope Francis skullcap goes up for auction

Pope Francis was passing through crowds at St Peter's Square when the TV host reached out offering a new skullcap
Pope Francis was passing through crowds at St Peter's Square when the TV host reached out offering a new skullcap Pope Francis was passing through crowds at St Peter's Square when the TV host reached out offering a new skullcap

A HOLY bidding war has started over the sale of an `authentic skullcap' given by Pope Francis to an Italian TV show host during an audience in Rome.

The Pope was passing through crowds at St Peter's Square during his regular audience in 2014, when the TV host reached out offering a new skullcap.

It became a famous moment in Italy when footage of the moment was broadcast showing the Pope carefully inspecting the hat before swapping it with his own, and was documented by the Italian media.

The practice of prelates gifting their hats to a faithful in an exchange began in the modern era with Pope Pius XII and it has been continued by Popes John Paul II, Benedict XVI and Francis.

Auctioneers Catawiki reassured bidders: "Although this ceremony is somewhat of a tradition, the hat is in no way diminished in its value. The Holy Father's skullcap is a highly powerful symbol in the Catholic religion."

The site's specialist devotionalia auctioneer Frederik Jamees said it is "extremely rare that a religious symbol of this magnitude goes up for auction".

"The Pope's clothing is made especially for him, and after his death the articles automatically become relics, meaning that they are no longer allowed to be sold," he said.

"This auction is a unique opportunity for museums, collectors and devout Catholics to acquire `a relic in the making' and also to help others by donating money to Save a Child's Heart.

"Given the Pope's following, we expect to see an influx of bids from across the globe."

This morning bidding had only reached £1,173, with the next minimum bid accepted £1,252.

The auction is to run from April 8 to 24 and is expected to fetch around £25,000.

For your chance to bid: http://auction.catawiki.com/kavels/5023105

Save a Child's Heart treats children suffering from heart disease and creates centres of competence in developing countries.