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Pope Francis ditches the bulletproof Popemobile

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Pope Francis said he no longer wants to use a bullet-proof Popemobile as it is a 'sardine can' which keeps him away from the people, claiming that 'at my age I don't have much to lose'
Pope Francis said he no longer wants to use a bullet-proof Popemobile as it is a ‘sardine can’ which keeps him away from the people, claiming that ‘at my age I don’t have much to lose’

Pope Francis has announced he will no longer used a bullet-proof Popemobile as the glass ‘sardine can’ keeps him away from the people.

The armoured vehicles were introduced after the 1981 assassination attempt of Pope John Paul II in a bid to prevent further attacks on the leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

During the interview with a Spanish newspaper which was reported by Vatican Radio, Pope Francis said: ‘It is true that anything could happen, but let’s face it, at my age I don’t have much to lose.’

He continued: ‘I know that something could happen to me, but it’s in the hands of God.’

The Argentinian pontiff was more diplomatic when questioned on the World Cup claiming he will be neutral when it comes to who he will support during the competition.

 When asked about his legacy, Pope Francis said: ‘I have not thought about this. But I like it when you recall someone and say “he was a good guy, he did what he could, and he was not that bad.” With that, I would be content.’
Already during several high profile visits Pope Francis has rejected his custom-built high security vehicle and used ordinary cars.

On a visit to Brazil, Pope Francis used a small Fiat from the airport to the centre of Rio which caused problems for security officials.

While on  his high profile trip to the Middle East, Pope Francis made an unscheduled stop to an Israeli security wall in the West Bank where he paused to prayer in a highly symbolic but controversial gesture.

The specially designed Popemobiles were introduced after Pope John Paul II was hit several times when Turkish gunman Mehmet Ali Agca opened fire in St Peter’s Square in May 1981.

The Daily Mail

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