Vatican raffles Papal gifts to raise money for poor

Church follows example of Catholic parishes

Like many Catholic parishes, the Vatican has turned to a raffle to raise money; the difference is, though, the prizes are items originally given as gifts to Pope Francis. For €10, anyone can go to the Vatican post office or pharmacy and buy a chance to win a Fiat Panda 4×4, a small SUV “fully loaded” with every option available, the Vatican said. Tickets are not for sale on the internet or outside Vatican City.

The raffle is being run by the Vatican City State governor’s office, and proceeds will be placed directly “at the disposition of the Pope himself,” said Jesuit Fr Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman.

First prize is the Fiat. The other main prizes include a blue racing bike, an “orange bicycle with baskets”, a tandem bike, a small HD digital video camera, an espresso machine, a silver pen, a brown leather briefcase and an authentic Panama hat.