Pope Francis Wants Non-Bulletproof, Open Mobiles during PHL Visit

During his five-day visit to the Philippines in January, Pope Francis will use non bulletproof, open pope mobiles, transport committee officials said Tuesday.

Fr. David Concepcion, head of the transportation committee for the visit, said they acknowledge the vulnerability of the Pope because of this request, adding that it was a symbol of his compassion towards the people.

The Pope personally requested for open vehicles, officials said, noting his preference to interact with the crowds that gather at his presence.

The pope mobile is an open, non bullet proof vehicle, thus exposing the vulnerability of the Pope during his visit, Concepcion said. Open popemobiles will enable Pope Francis to hear the people’s cheers and shoutouts during motorcades, he added.

It will also allow the pope an easy physical maneuver to reach out to the people, a noted practice since he took helm of the Catholic Church.

“Ito ay simbolo ng kaniyang pakikiramay at pakikidaumpalad.” he said in the report over GMA News Online.

Two pope mobiles

Officials added two pope mobiles have been made for the pope’s visit, one for Manila and one for Leyte, where the Pope will spend most of his third day in the country on January 17.

Concepcion added that Vatican representatives have inspected the vehicles and requested certain changes.

Source: GMA News Online