POPE FRANCIS TO AUCTION LAMBORGHINI CAR GIFT, GIVE PROCEEDS TO CHARITY

VATICAN, Rome – Pope Francis on Wednesday received keys to a new Lamborghini from the Italian luxury car maker.

Sporting the papal colors – white with yellow-gold detailing – the Lamborghini Huracan was presented to the Pope by the car maker at the Vatican City, Rome.

Base price for the special Lamborghini Huracan which was first introduced in 2014, usually start at around £165,000 (183,000 euros, $217,000).

Pope Francis pictured here blessed the car and appended his signature on the hood after receiving it in front of his Casa Santa Marta residence.

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” towards 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.”

The car will be auctioned by RM Sotheby’s on 12 May 2018, with the proceeds delivered directly to the Holy Father, who will allocate them to the Pontifical Foundation “Aiuto alla Chiesa che Soffre” (Aid to the Church in Need), the Pope John XXIII Community, GICAM headed by Dr. Marco Lanzetta (hand surgeon) and “Amici per il Centrafrica” (Friends of Central Africa).

“John XXIII Community”, offers protection and aid for women who have been victims of human trafficking and prostitution.

The Lamborghini Huracán RWD donated to the Pope was produced by Ad Personam, the Company’s customization department. It is painted Bianco Monocerus (white) with Giallo Tiberino (yellow) stripes that run along the body in homage to the colors of the flag of Vatican City.

The ceremony of presentation to Pope Francis was held in the Vatican, attended by Stefano Domenicali, Chairman and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. Also present were a delegation of the Company’s Management Board and two of the technicians who worked on building the car.

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.