What You Don't Know About Pope Francis
Michael Hansen
Pope Francis doesn't have a taste for expensive cars — which may also not be surprising, given that during his years as Archbishop of Buenos Aires, he traveled by metro or by bus (via Vatican News). He gave up the Mercedes popemobile with its white leather chair and gold trim used by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and instead, scoots around in a Fiat or Ford. He has also been quoted as telling young priests and nuns to stay away from fast cars, saying, "It hurts my heart when I see a priest with the latest model car" (via The Telegraph).
So what happened when Lamborghini decided to give Francis a limited-edition Huracán, in the same white and yellow that matched his cassock and which retailed for 180,000 euros in 2017? He blessed the car and dispatched it to Sotheby's so its proceeds could benefit three charities closest to his heart (via Automobili Lamborghini). The same fate befell a fancy Harley-Davidson motorcycle, which he autographed and sold to help fund a charity hostel and food kitchen in Rome.
At least the brands can't say they weren't warned.