Pope Francis Refuses to Use Bullet-Proof Popemobile During Brazil Trip

Pope Francis has ditched the bullet-proof popemobile used in the past by his predecessors and has opted to be carried around through Rio de Janeiro in a open to top jeep instead, the Vatican announced. He is visiting the Latin American country for World Youth Day, which starts Monday. The event, which will last until July 28, is expected to be attended by over 1.5 million pilgrims.

Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi has dismissed security concerns regarding the demonstrations that have been rocking Brazil in the past few months. "We are going to Brazil with confidence in the authorities' ability to manage the situation," he stated. "We know the demonstrations are not at all aimed at the pope or the Church. We are not currently expecting any inconveniences for World Youth Day. Everyone will understand the pope's message is a message of solidarity."

Lombardi also gave further details on the pope's schedule during his stay, which includes a helicopter trip to the Marian sanctuary of Aparecida and a visit to the Varginha favela. He explained that the pope himself made the choice to not use the popemobile, because he feels more comfortable in an open-jeap that allows him to stay close to his followers. "This is the pope's choice, in continuity with what he is doing here. He feels better when there is contact with the crowd," Lombardi said.

On Friday and Saturday, Pope Francis tweeted from his official account, greeting young Christians who were on their way to Rio for the awaited event. "Many of you have already arrived in Rio and many more are just arriving. We will see one another there in only three days," he posted. And later on, "Dear young friends, I know that many of you are still travelling to Rio. May the Lord accompany you on your way." Yesterday, also through his twitter account, the Pope kept a thought for those young Christians who wanted to be in Rio, but couldn't make it. "How many wish to be in Rio for WYD but can't! May they feel at one with us in prayer," he reminded.

Sister Irma Terezinha has also spoken out on the Pope's choice not to use the popemobile and other decisions of his. According to Catholic News Agency, Terezinha, who is in charge of the residency where the Holy Father will be staying, said that the Pope didn't want to be treated differently than others. "It was thought that the Pope does not feel he is treated differently from others. He does not like individualism, everything is done the same way for everyone and nothing will be different for him," the Sister said. In the same line, second auxiliary Bishop of Rio de Janeiro, Roque Costa Souza, told the Brazilian daily that Pope Francis' room will have no more than a small wooden table, a wardrobe and a cooler similar to those in hotel rooms, the same as in the other seven rooms of the residence.