The 2015 Fiat 500 Lounge Hatchback used by Pope Francis during his visit to New York City sold for an amazing $300,000 with net proceeds benefiting Catholic Schools, Catholic Charities, Catholic Relief Services and the Catholic Near East Welfare Association. Retail value for the Fiat is $24,695. The winning bidder of the Charitybuzz auction is philanthropist and businessman Miles Nadal.
“It has been an honor to work with the Archdiocese of New York. I am thrilled that our auction of this one-of-a-kind item sold for more than twelve times its retail value raising such significant and important funding for these worthwhile causes,” stated Coppy Holzman, CEO of Charitybuzz.
“I don’t think New York will ever forget the historic visit of Pope Francis to Our Lady Queen of Angels school. The funds raised through this Charitybuzz auction will help to support Catholic schools, Catholic Charities, and international relief agencies, something very close to the heart of Our Holy Father!” stated Dr. Timothy Mcniff, Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of New York.
Mr Nadal, who is a renowned car collector, with a world class collection of more than 130 cars and motorcycles, will have the opportunity to meet with Cardinal Timothy Dolan at St. Patrick’s Cathedral or the Archdiocese of New York to bless the car. The 2015 Fiat 500 Lounge Hatchback was provided by Chrysler and used by His Holiness for his Papal Visit to the United States on Sept 22-27 2015. The Secret Service confirmed the Holy Father used this Fiat, as confirmed by the Archdiocese of New York who will provide a letter of confirmation to Mr Nadal.
ABOUT THE CAR: In September 2015, Pope Francis visited the United States and made an unforgettable stop in New York City where The Secret Service confirmed the Holy Father used this Fiat. The Fiat is a 2015 500 Lounge Hatchback which was provided by Chrysler for the Papal visit. On March 17, 2016 Monsignor Robert Ritchie, the rector of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, drove the car to the cathedral where Cardinal Timothy Dolan reviewed it prior to its participation in the 2016 St. Patrick's Day Parade in New York City.