Pope Francis has received a personalised Vespa from the iconic Italian scooter's enthusiasts' club.
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The scooter, presented to him on Sunday in Rome, is white and features the Vatican coat of arms and the number plate BF362918, which represents the initials of the pope's surname, Bergoglio, his papal name, Francis, the year of his birth, 1936, and the date the Vespa was presented to him, September 2, 2018.
The Vespa also came with a white helmet.
The 81-year-old pontiff does not plan to ride the scooter, which is an original 50R model from the year 1971.
Papal Almoner Cardinal Konrad Krajewski gave the Vespa a test drive on Sunday and plans to auction it off for a good cause, the Vatican said.
The members of the Vespa nel Tempo Club - part of the Vespa Club of Italy - who presented the gift were taking part in the second international Vespa convention in the Italian capital, which ends on Sunday.
About 600 Vespa drivers later parked their scooters inside the Vatican to take part in the midday Angelus prayer delivered by Francis, the Vatican said in an emailed statement.
Australian Associated Press
