pope Francis’ Leica Camera Fetches €6.5 Million for Charity, Royal Camera Also Sells
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A Leica camera owned by teh late pope Francis sold for an astounding €6.5 million at the 47th Leitz Photographica Auction in Vienna, wiht all proceeds going to charitable causes. The auction, held Saturday at the Hotel Imperial, also saw the sale of a Leica camera with ties to Queen Elizabeth II, demonstrating the enduring appeal of ancient and prominent photographic equipment.
Papal Leica Exceeds Expectations
The exclusive Leica MA camera, gifted to Pope Francis in 2024 by Leica camera AG, significantly surpassed its estimated value of €60,000 to €70,000. The camera bears the papal insignia and a unique serial number – 5000000 – a practice Leica reserves for special cameras presented to distinguished individuals. According to a representative from the auction house, “It has always been a tradition at Leica to reserve such distinctive, round serial numbers for special cameras, which are frequently enough awarded to outstanding public figures.”
The Pope initially intended to auction the camera for philanthropic purposes while still alive, but the process was delayed by his death in April. Now, the substantial €6.5 million generated will directly benefit the holy father’s personal charity. A senior official described the bidding war as “Certainly one of the most exciting bidding battles in the history of our auction house.”
The auction’s star item, the Leica MA, was gifted to Pope Francis by Leica Camera AG in 2024. The Pope, recognizing its potential for good, planned to auction it for charity during his lifetime. Following his death in April, the auction proceeded as intended, with the proceeds-a remarkable €6.5 million-designated for the Holy Father’s personal charitable foundation.The intense bidding, described by auction house officials as a historic event, drove the price far beyond initial estimates of €60,000 to €70,000.
Royal Connection: Camera for Queen Elizabeth II
The papal camera wasn’t the only item of historical significance to find a new owner. A replacement copy of a Leica M3, originally presented to Queen elizabeth II by German President Theodor Heuss in 1958, also went under the hammer. This backup camera,produced in case the original was lost,features the abbreviation “E II R” and an inscription detailing the gift from Heuss on October 20,1958. it sold for €156,000,exceeding the estimated price of up to €120,000.
The auction highlights the continued fascination with cameras owned by notable figures and their ability to command notable prices at auction. The success of both the papal and royal cameras underscores the intersection of history, philanthropy, and the enduring legacy of Leica craftsmanship.
The 47th Leitz Photographica Auction in Vienna concluded Saturday with extraordinary results, driven by the sale of two cameras with remarkable histories.The late Pope Francis’ Leica MA, gifted in 2024, was the auction’s centerpiece, ultimately selling for €6.5 million to benefit his charitable causes. Additionally, a Leica M3 presented as a backup to Queen Elizabeth II in 1958 sold for €156,000. The auction, held at the Hotel Imperial, demonstrated the enduring appeal of Leica craftsmanship and the market’s appetite for items connected to historical figures. The auction house confirmed all proceeds from the papal camera will go directly to the Holy Father’s personal charity, fulfilling his wish to support philanthropic endeavors.
