He was a Pope of the people, known not for opulence, but for humility, compassion, and a fierce devotion to the marginalized.
So when Pope Francis was gifted a luxury Lamborghini, the world watched — and he responded in a way that brought tears to many eyes.
Not your average SUV
It’s not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the Pope—but it turns out Pope Francis had a pretty fascinating garage.
Despite leading the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis famously embraced simplicity and steered clear of unnecessary luxury. Yet over the years, his choice of vehicles turned heads — not because they were flashy, but because they told a story. From secondhand Fords and modest Renaults to sleek all-electric SUVs, the Pope’s wheels reflected his values of humility and environmental stewardship.
But perhaps the most eye-catching car he ever rode in was also one of the last: a custom-made, all-electric Mercedes-Benz G-Class. This wasn’t your average SUV – it was a modern-day “Popemobile,” fully outfitted for global appearances and public blessings.
The design included a raised, armchair-style seat that swiveled so Pope Francis could wave to crowds with ease. It also featured compact side seats for security personnel and a flexible roof setup that could handle unpredictable weather.
True to form, the late Pope Francis — who passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88— made even his mode of transport a reflection of his faith, mission, and connection with everyday people.
And did you know the Pope once had a Lamborghini in his garage?
No, seriously.
A custom Lamborghini Huracán
Back in 2017, Pope Francis was gifted a custom Lamborghini Huracán, decked out in white and gold to match the colors of the Vatican flag. But in true Pope Francis fashion, he didn’t hop in and speed off down the cobbled streets of Vatican City. Instead, he did something that left the world both surprised and inspired.
He blessed the supercar. He signed the hood. And then he sold it.
The one-of-a-kind Huracán went under the hammer at an auction in Monaco in 2018, fetching a jaw-dropping €715,000 (that’s about $810,000). But none of that money went into the Vatican’s car collection. Every cent was donated to charity.
Among the beneficiaries were organizations rebuilding Christian communities in Iraq, a group supporting women rescued from trafficking, and two Italian medical missions operating in Africa.
That was classic Francis: turning luxury into love for others.
Though he had a moment with the Lambo, Pope Francis was known for keeping his feet — and his wheels — firmly on the ground. When he was still a cardinal, he often took the bus. After being elected Pope, he declined the papal limousine and instead rode back to his residence with the other cardinals in a minibus.
A no-frills Ford Focus
Around Vatican City, he zipped around in a no-frills Ford Focus. And in 2024, he made history by accepting the Vatican’s first all-electric popemobile: a Mercedes-Benz G-Class designed for both sustainability and visibility during public appearances.
Even when visiting Washington, D.C. in 2015, he famously rode in a modest Fiat 500L, which drew sharp contrast to the U.S. President’s heavily armored ride, “The Beast.”
In his final weeks, Pope Francis remained as grounded as ever — voicing concerns about the future of AI and warning the world not to let technology replace human connection.
“There is an evil that looms here,” he said, calling on people to put compassion first.
If there’s one thing this story proves, it’s that Francis never let status or symbols get in the way of service. Lamborghini or not, he always drove straight toward the heart.
