What
an innovative idea.
Pope Francis is raffling off the Homero Ortega brand hat, a new four-wheel-drive Fiat Panda, bicycles, an espresso coffee machine, watches and other objects he has received as gifts in order to raise money for the poor.
A poster recently went up around the Vatican announcing the raffle of 13 objects as well as more than 30 unspecified "consolation prizes".
Tickets to the raffle cost €12.50 Euros and winners will be announced in January. In the past, gifts awarded popes have been given to charities and some have simply been tucked away in the Vatican warehouse.
This news comes after word earlier this month that the Vatican is building showers for the homeless.
No matter your religious affiliation, Pope Francis's commitment and fresh approach to ending poverty deserves to be applauded.