Pope Francis has a new set of wheels, having traded in his Benz popemobile for a new model by Hyundai. The new Popemobile completely does away with the trademark bulletproof glass enclosure. This version made its debut early June on a drive through St. Peter’s Square and is the first Hyundai popemobile the Vatican garage.
The Hyundai popemobile arguably aligns better with the image Pope Francis projects – more meek and humble, as well as more accessible. The vehicle itself – a modified version of the Santa Fe – is lower and narrower than previous popemobiles.
The first bulletproof popemobile was introduced after the attempted assassination of John Paul II in 1981, and was also favoured by Francis’s predecessor Benedict XVI. According to sources, the Mercedes-Benz popemobile will still be kept for special occasions, especially when security is a concern.
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Pope Francis stands on the Mercedes-Benz popemobile as he arrives for his weekly general audience at St Peter’s Square at the Vatican.
Filippo Monteforte, AFP / Getty
