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Car used by Pope Francis

Francis (Latin: Franciscus PP.), until his election Jorge Mario Bergoglio - Roman Pope from March 13 during his visit to Panama in 2019, will be the grand prize in a raffle organized to raise funds for charitable organizations, the Catholic church in Panama, quoted by AFP.

The church expects to sell 100,000 raffle tickets, each priced at ten dollars, to raise $1 million in the lottery, which will be drawn on August 20 this year.

The blue Toyota Prius with 14,000 kilometers on the clock was used during the Pope's visit from January 23 to January 27, 2019 to Panama for World Youth Days. 

The raffle is being organized to offset losses in church revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic, said Archbishop of Panama Monsignor Jose Domingo Uyoa.

"It's really a very special car. It's the car that the pope used to get around when he wasn't using his papamobile," the Panamanian prelate said.

"It's a car for everyone, including non-believers, because it has historical value," he said.

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After the papal visit, the vehicle was used only for administrative purposes, adds BTA.

Pope Francisc