Pope Francis Will Sell Off His Ritzy Gifts In Raffle For The Poor

Ever wanted an espresso machine owned by the Pope? Well, you’re in luck! Pope Francis is raffling off a slew of items including a new four-wheel-drive Fiat Panda, his Homero Ortega brand hat and some bicycles in order to raise money for the less fortunate. From Reuters:

A poster recently went up around the Vatican announcing the raffle of 13 objects as well as more than 30 unspecified “consolation prizes”.

In the past, most gifts given to popes have either been quietly given away to missions, church institutions, or have gathered dust in a Vatican warehouse.

Francis, the first Latin American pope, has made concern for the poor one of the hallmarks of his papacy. He recently ordered shower stalls to be built around the Vatican so that homeless people in the area could wash up. (Via)

Tickets for the raffle are currently on sale at 10 euros ($12.50) each. The Vatican will announce the winners on January 8th.

(Source: Reuters)

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