All proceeds received during the auction will be donated to the Holy Father directly, who will allocate them accordingly towards three diverse projects:

1. The reconstruction of the Nineveh Plain under the patronage of the Pontifical Foundation “Aiuto alla Chiesa che Soffre” (Aid to the Church in Need). The project aims to ensure the return of the Christian community to the Nineveh Plain in Iraq by rebuilding their homes, public edifices and places of worship.

2. The Pope John XXIII Community, which is dedicated to helping women who are victims of trafficking and other abuses on the tenth anniversary of the passing of Father Oreste Benzi and the 50th anniversary (in 2018) of the founding of the community, “Progetto Casa Papa Francesco” (Pope Francis House Project).

3. Two Italian associations that carry out activities mainly in Africa: GICAM, headed by Dr. Marco Lanzetta, and “Amici per il Centrafrica” (Friends for Central Africa), have worked for many years in the region on initiatives dedicated primarily to aiding women and children in need.

Customised and built to European specifications by Lamborghini's Ad Personam program, the Huracán, which comes in rear-wheel-drive format, is finished in Bianco Monocerus contrasted by Giallo Tiberino stripes and detailing in homage to the colours of the flag of Vatican City.

Riding on diamond-finished 20-inch Giano wheels covering Nero callipers, the car is trimmed within in Bianco Leda Sportivo leather, with Lamborghini crests adorning the headrests.

The final touch was added by the Pope himself, who signed the bonnet of the Huracán upon seeing it for the first time during a special handover ceremony.

This unique supercar in fact made more than double prior expectations with the auction house having placed an estimate of 250,000 - 350,000 euros on it ahead of yesterday's sale.

Photos: Lamborghini Huracan donated to Pope Francis at RM Sotheby's Monaco Auction (12 May)