Pope Francis News & Quotes: Roman Catholic Church Leader Will Stop Using 'Sardine Can' Popemobile
Pope Francis has decided to reject the world renowned bulletproof "Popemobile" with the reasoning that it prevents him from interacting with the people. This is both a revelation as well as a security nightmare for Pope Francis' protective services.
The Bishop of Rome told Barcelona newspaper La Vanguardia that he prefers not to use the bulletproof Popemobile, saying it feels like a glass "sardine can," which keeps him away from the people. The Pope is well aware of the assassination attempt made against his predecessor, Pope John Paul II, in 1981. However, Pope Francis appears more concerned with natural causes, because of his age, than anything else.
"It's true that anything could happen, but let's face it: At my age, I don't have much to lose," Pope Francis, 77, said according to CNN. "I know that something could happen to me, but it's in the hands of God."
Since the assassination attempt of Pope John Paul II, the head of the Roman Catholic Church had instituted the custom-made, glass-sided Popemobile for being in public.
Pope Francis' approach to transportation and security since his papacy last year has not been appreciated, on the other hand, especially by his security crew, CNN reported. For example, during a trip to Brazil, the Pope drove a silver hatchback Fiat from the airport to downtown Rio de Janeiro. As he traveled along the route, his car became pinned and also bombarded between a bus and a swell of admirers and well-wishers who wanted to touch him and the car of the Pope. Eventually security came to the rescue.
Another incident occurred when Pope Francis chose an open-topped vehicle for tours through the crowds in St. Peter's Square. Last month, the Pope's trip to Israel , during which he made stops in Jordan, the West Bank and Jerusalem, also caused near nightmarish challenges in security, according to CNN.
Despite all of that, Pope Francis insists that he must be able to speak and meet with the people directly as this is the key part of his role as pontiff.
Vatican officials voiced further concerns for the pope's safety during his most recent international trips. Perhaps the last straw was when the Pope toured a "favela" shanty town in an open-topped white jeep along the seafront of Copacabana beach, The Independent reported.
In 1981, Pope John Paul II was shot by Mehmet Ali Agca in the arm, hand and abdomen, while driving through St. Peter's Square. The the- pontiff almost died, but he recovered after major surgery. Later, the Pope publicly forgave Agca after meeting him in prison, CNN reported.
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