A Fiat 500L car that was custom-built for Pope Francis' trip to Philadelphia will be auctioned off during this month's Auto Show in the City of Brotherly Love. It was one of two vehicles equipped with secret service license plates that drove around the head of the Roman Catholic Church during his visit to the United States last year.

Like Us on Facebook

The auction will be on January 29. Many Americans were amazed that the pope chose the small Fiat car over gas-guzzling autos such as SUVs.

People can make bids in person or online. Money from the car's sale will benefit four charities for the poor run by the archdiocese (archbishop's area) of Philadelphia.

The Max Spann Real Estate and Auction Company has valued Pope Francis' car at $30,000. However, it has not estimated the actual price it might earn.  

Max Spann is the auction company's president. He told AFP he thinks there will be formidable interest in the vehicle because the pope used it.

Catholic authorities have shared they might sell the pope's other Philly Fiat at the same car auction. It will be displayed at the Philadelphia Auto Show, which starts January 30, according to The Guardian.

Fiat Chrysler made the customized cars for the pope's visit. The company donated the vehicles to the local Catholic Church.

A Fiat Chrysler Automobiles spokesman shared that the pope's vehicles improved the image of the Fiat brand in the US. It was connected to the roll out of the 2016 Fiat 500X.

Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput explained that the church wanted the public to see the customized cars. It also wanted to help the poor.

The pope used the same auto models when in New York City and Washington D.C., during his first US tour from September 22 to 27. His visit drew large crowds.  

The archdioceses of NYC and the District of Columbia have shared they also think they will receive the two Fiats that Pope Francis used in their cities. However, they have not made plans about how to use them.

Pope Francis's regular car is the bulletproof Popemobile. He called it a "sardine can" and prefers to connect with people outside the vehicle, according to Time.