Who’s your co-pilot? Pope’s Fiat going up for auction

A black Fiat that was used to transport Pope Francis during his visit to Philadelphia will be auctioned off at the Philadelphia Auto Show.

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia made the announcement at a Wednesday morning news conference with auto show representatives. He’s made a point of using modest cars to emphasize simplicity.

Both vehicles were donated to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015 after the Pope’s visit in September of a year ago. “It’s exactly what Pope Francis would have wanted us to do”. The appeal benefits numerous social outreach efforts of the church to people in need regardless of creed or background.

The Pennsylvania Convention Center is located on Broad and Cherry Streets. “Our partnership with the Philadelphia Auto Show provides us with the wonderful opportunity to share these vehicles with the community while also connecting with a highly engaged audience for the great benefit of society’s most vulnerable and marginalized members”. Potential buyers may submit bids in-person or remotely. Proceeds will be distributed among several charities supported by the archdiocese.

The Black Tie Tailgate as a whole will continue to support The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) through the Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation, as it does every year. Tickets start at $225.

“I’m deeply grateful to Fiat Chrysler for its generosity in giving the Archdiocese of Philadelphia the two Fiats used by Pope Francis during his visit to Philadelphia”, said Archbishop Charles J. Chaput in a statement.

But it’s a safe bet that the final bid will well exceed the car’s $19,345 manufacturer’s suggested retail price once the gavel comes down with the words, “Sold!”