Another sign of the “Francis Effect”?
Pope Francis’ white skullcap is up for auction on eBay to benefit a charity and bids for it reached 100,000 euros (approximately 128,000 U.S. dollars) within hours.
Wednesday morning, the talk show host of the Italian satirical TV show “Le Iene” (The Hyenas) managed to give a white cap to Pope Francis, who was crossing Saint Peter’s square in his jeep. The Pope tried it on, kept it, and handed over his own in exchange.
Who could have predicted that a simple cap worn by Pope Francis and put up for sale on eBay would reach such a sum within a few hours? Is this further proof of the Pope Francis effect? An example of ridiculous fetishism? Everyone is free to have his own opinion on the subject, but one Italian charity that will benefit from this money cannot complain: Soleterre will use it to fight child mortality in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
How much will it go for in the end? Will the amount reach €200,000? We will have the answer at the close of the auction, September 24, at 9:28 p.m. And—by the way—if you want to bid, shipping is free.
Judikael Hirel is the managing editor of Aleteia’s French edition.This article originally appeared on September 18.
