Hats off to Pope Francis: skullcap raises more than ‚¬100k on eBay

 Press Association

If you've ever dreamt of sporting a hat worn by Pope Francis himself, then you're in luck: his skullcap has been put on eBay and could be yours for just over €100,000.

An Italian TV show host convinced the pontiff to swap his skullcap for a new one following one of his appearances in St Peter's Square.

According to AFP, the host of satirical TV show Le Lene managed to approach the Pope as he was about to get into his car.

Vatican TV recorded the moment that Pope Francis asked the jeep to stop, examined the cap presented to him and then offered up his own in exchange.

The Pontiff's hat has been put on eBay to raise money for Soleterre, a charity which provides medical treament for vulnerable children in the DRC, and has attracted 128 bids, the highest of which currently stands at over €100,000.

It's not the first time Francis' cap has made the news. A gust of wind blew the hat off the Pontiff's head during his weekly address earlier this year to much amusement from his audience.

related articles
So Pope Francis is the most influential tweeter. Here are nine reasons why he\'s so popular.
So Pope Francis is the most influential tweeter. Here are nine reasons why he's so popular.

So Pope Francis is the most influential tweeter. Here are nine reasons why he's so popular.

Where have all the Pope\'s pennies gone? Vatican profits drop by £66million
Where have all the Pope's pennies gone? Vatican profits drop by £66million

Where have all the Pope's pennies gone? Vatican profits drop by £66million

10 weirdest Christian gifts

10 weirdest Christian gifts

Diego Maradona meets Pope Francis in Rome
Diego Maradona meets Pope Francis in Rome

Diego Maradona meets Pope Francis in Rome

Police crackdown on \'bogus faith healers\' in Leicester
Police crackdown on 'bogus faith healers' in Leicester

Police crackdown on 'bogus faith healers' in Leicester

News
Pope seeks prayers for peace in Christmas Day message
Pope seeks prayers for peace in Christmas Day message

The Pope asked people to pray in particular for the "tormented people of Ukraine" in his Christmas Day 'Urbi et Orbi' message. 

Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?
Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?

The carol says, “Good King Wenceslas last looked out on the Feast of Stephen.” In many countries, December 26, also known as Boxing Day, is better known as St Stephen’s Day. Stephen was the first Christian martyr. This is the story …

King Charles reflects on pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope in Christmas Day address
King Charles reflects on pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope in Christmas Day address

King Charles III used his Christmas Day speech to reflect on the significance of pilgrimage as he appealed to the nation "to cherish the values of compassion and reconciliation". 

2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book
2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book

One of the most-studied Bible verses of the year is from 2 Timothy in the New Testament, according to an analysis of millions of Bible study sessions that tracked how believers worldwide are engaging with Scripture.