The Pope’s Lamborghini . In 2017, luxury met humility in an unforgettable way when Lamborghini gifted Pope Francis a custom-made white and gold Huracán, designed specifically to reflect the colors of the Vatican flag. The sleek, high-performance supercar was a striking symbol of excess—one not usually associated with the modest lifestyle of the Pope. Yet, as expected from a man known for his compassion and commitment to charity, Francis had no intention of keeping it.
At the official presentation ceremony, Pope Francis blessed the Huracán and even signed the hood, transforming the car into a one-of-a-kind collector’s item with extraordinary symbolic and monetary value. Rather than driving it through the cobbled streets of Vatican City, the pontiff made a profoundly selfless decision: he would auction off the car and donate every cent to charity.
In May 2018, the Lamborghini was sold at a Sotheby’s auction for nearly $1 million—far more than its original retail price, thanks in part to its unique papal connection. The proceeds were directed toward several causes close to the Pope’s heart. A significant portion supported rebuilding Christian communities in Iraq devastated by ISIS, particularly in the Nineveh Plains. Additional funds went to organizations that rescue victims of human trafficking and provide medical care and education in Africa.
The car, a symbol of speed, power, and opulence, was transformed by Pope Francis into an instrument of healing and hope. It wasn’t just about selling a luxury vehicle—it was about turning global attention toward urgent humanitarian needs. Through this gesture, the Pope reminded the world that even the most unexpected gifts can be used to serve others.
This story struck a chord around the world, not only because of the car’s price tag or prestige but because of what it represented: the fusion of generosity, humility, and clever charity. In typical Francis fashion, he took an extravagant gift and redirected it toward meaningful action.
While the Lamborghini Huracán might now sit in a collector’s garage, its legacy lives far beyond its horsepower—it became a symbol of modern philanthropy and faith in action. The Pope’s Lamborghini
