Today, the pope was given a brand new, special edition Lamborghini Huracan by officials from the luxury car maker.
Pope Francis’ Lamborghini will be auctioned off by Sotheby’s in London and the proceeds given to four charities in his name.
Pope Francis blessed the car and signed the hood after receiving it in front of his Casa Santa Marta residence.
Sporting the papal colors – white with yellow-gold detailing – the Lamborghini Huracan’s base price usually starts at 183,000 euros (more than $216,000) but the specially made papal car is expected to bring far more at auction.
A statement from the Holy See Press Office said some of the proceeds will go to the papal charity Aid to the Church in Need, and their project of rebuilding homes, churches, and public buildings in Iraq’s Nineveh Plains. These funds, the statement said, will help Christians who had taken refuge in Iraqi Kurdistan “to finally return to their roots and recover their dignity.”
Another recipient of the Lamborghini’s proceeds is the John XXIII Community, which offers protection and aid for women who have been victims of human trafficking and prostitution.
Two Italian charities which work mostly in Africa – Gicam and Friends of Central Africa – will also receive some of the funds to support projects dedicated to providing medical care for women and children.
In both 2014 and 2015, a Harley Davidson motorcycle was auctioned off. One had been given to Benedict XVI before his resignation, and the other to Pope Francis. The 2014 auction got about $327,000, with the 2015 one bringing in around $52,000.
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And today we celebrate...