A camera belonging to Pope Francis (2013-2025) has changed hands for a record sum: The Leica M-A personalised for the head of the church fetched 6.5 million euros at an auction in Vienna on Saturday.
The estimated price had been between 60,000 and 70,000 euros.
The bidding competition at the 47th Leitz Photographica Auction at the Imperial Hotel in Vienna was broadcast live on the Internet.
The proceeds will be donated to charity. It is not known whether Francis used the camera himself.
The white camera was presented to the pontiff in 2024 by camera manufacturer Leica.
It has numerous special features: a white leather coating and engravings with the papal coat of arms and Francis' motto "Miserando atque eligendo".
The exclusive serial number 5,000,000 emphasises the rarity value of the camera.