The Vatican is bringing along a specially designed popemobile for Pope Francis’ visit to New York City.
While he often rides in a modified Hyundai Santa Fe SUV in Vatican City, the pope is reportedly set to roll through Central Park Friday in a tricked-out four-door Jeep Wrangler.
After an assassination attempt against Pope John Paul II in 1981, bulletproof glass was added. Pope Benedict even had his own oxygen supply inside. Pope Francis ditched the glass on the sides, saying it felt like a “sardine can.”
The Mercedes-Benz version used by Benedict had a top speed of 160 mph, but popemobiles usually travel at a leisurely 6 to 10 mph. Previous versions were equipped with run-flat tires.
Secret Service agents have been using a replica popemobile to run training drills in preparation for the visit.
The first official popemobile was a Mercedes-Benz Nürburg 460 Pullman that the German car maker gave to Pope Pius XI in 1930. It was custom built with silk carpeting and embossed doves inside. Mercedes has made 12 cars for the Vatican.
How did the pope get around before he had his own custom ride? People power. The pope was paraded through cities via sedia gestatoria, a throne carried by Vatican footmen. The practice lasted into 1978, when John Paul I discontinued it.