One of the two Fiats that Pope Francis used during his visit to Philadelphia last September sold for $82,000 at an auction Friday night.
Michael and Kate Chapman, owners of Chapman Auto Group, managed to secure the bid for the black Fiat 500L, which the pope used last fall for the World Meeting of Families, at this weekend's Philadelphia Auto Show in an auction that lasted for only 11 minutes, according to the Associated Press.
The Chapmans, who own seven Philadelphia area showrooms, were among 19 bidders from across the country, said Kevin Gavin, spokesman for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
September's World Meeting of Families saw Pope Francis kiss and bless 10-year-old Michael Keating, who has cerebral palsy, and exchange gifts with Bobby Hill, a young soprano who performed at the Festival of Families, CBS News reported.
David Kelleher, chairman of the Philadelphia Auto Show, said that another impressive note regarding the Fiat 500L, besides have the pope take a ride in it, was that it has a range of 435 miles, which gives it some "practicality." The only significant change that has been made to the vehicle is that its windows were tinted back to factory standards.
"We are so heartened by the fact that this extraordinary gift will go on to enrich the lives of so many individuals," said Donna Crilley Farrell, executive director of the World Meeting of Families, AP reported.
Chapman told Philly.com that he plans on putting the car on display at his dealership in Horsham.
The auto show, conducted by Max Spann Real Estate & Auction Company, will keep the second Fiat that Francis used in Philadelphia on display until the event ends on Feb. 7. The Archdiocese said that the proceeds from the auction will go to charities and the archdiocese's special education schools.
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