The Pope Gets An All-New Popemobile, But From An Unlikely Place

For years, the Vatican has been receiving special vehicles from automakers around the globe. Probably one of the more famous ones was the Ferrari Enzo gifted by the legendary Maranello-based supercar builder.

But, over the past couple of decades, if the Pope was making a visit and a public appearance, he was more often than not seen standing in a specially configured Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon. Essentially, it made the Pope appear as though he was in a telephone booth, except this was one seriously armored vehicle.

Now though there's been a change at the request of the Pope. Rather than travel in an armored vehicle, he has opted for an open-air vehicle. Turns out Hyundai was the manufacturer up to the task. This is where the modified Santa Fe comes into the picture.

I don't want to be too cynical here, but is it possible this is another PR move from the Vatican/Pope as it continues to shed its old image of the church? Austerity is in, baby!

A new, specially modified Hyundai SUV has joined the elite ranks of the popemobile fleet.

The open-roof, white Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi had its debut in St. Peter's Square on Wednesday during Pope Francis' weekly general audience.

The vehicle sits lower than the typical popemobiles, which had higher ground clearance or a raised bed to offer crowds maximum visibility of the pope, who stands or sits in the back.

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TomM - 6/6/2015 6:42:38 AM

+1 Boost

Religion is Dying in the western world. Very few go to church services - and even among them - fewer believe their religion. Studies have shown that in a number of western countries - religion will be going extinct in the next 30 years. The average age of believers is older than Buick Owners - and younger people who do go - often do so simply to avoid an argument in the family - and they have no intention of continuing the practice after they are old enough.
While the church is growing in the third world - they do not give enough money to support themselves much less the hierarchy of the church. The westerners who did give money are gone now. ANd churches and religious schools are closing in record numbers - while there is shortage of clergy in every major religion. Changing to an open car is not going to stop the inevitable.

MDarringer - 6/6/2015 9:00:37 AM

+1 Boost

Pope Francis is a game changer. Catholics under 30--like me--like this guy. Someone will probably assassinate him given that he's largely unprotected, but the Pope should be a man of the people and Pope Francis is the real deal.

Dexter1 - 6/6/2015 9:43:26 AM

+5 Boost

So now even the Pope is slumming.