Pope Francis swaps his Popemobile for the back seat of a Fiat Tipo when he arrives to celebrate Mass outside Rome
- Pope Francis joined his congregation in Albano to celebrate Mass to followers of the Catholic faith
- He spoke of God’s ability to ‘remember’ us even when there are obstacles between himself and us
- Unusually he arrived in a Fiat Tipo estate car, exiting from the back rather than using his Popemobile
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Pope Francis has been seen arriving to celebrate Mass at Albano Laziale’s cathedral on the outskirts of the city of Rome.
Thousands of followers had lined the streets to witness the arrival of the Pope, hoping to capture a glimpse of his papal vestments.
But the crowd was left surprised when an unassuming Navy blue Fiat Tipo arrived and the Pope appeared from the back seat.
The Pope typically travels in a stark white car often called the Popemobile, which transports him in a clear box, allowing him to be more visible to crowds.
The choice to travel by less conspicuous means, in a car worth only £13,000, could be a reflection of the Pope’s often humble nature, seeking to not self-aggrandize.
Why the Pope chose to take this method of travel remains unknown, but it isn’t the first time he’s opted for the privacy of a smaller car, choosing a Volkswagen to travel in on a visit to Krakow, Poland in 2016.
During his surface the Pope began his Homily in Albano by reminding those gathered that the Lord ‘remembers us’. He does not forget, said the Pope, and ‘he does not lose sight of us despite the obstacles that may keep us far from Him.’
A subdued arrival: The Pope’s arrival was not as obviously telegraphed as usual, His Holiness had opted for a much more low-key arrival
Pope Francis greets two lucky children after his arrival at the cathedral, around his neck is a sterling silver papal crucifix
A large procession of priests joined Pope Francis as he made his way into the cathedral’s grounds before beginning Mass
Breaking bread: Pope Francis splits the communion wafer as the celebration of the Lord’s supper begins as wafers and wine are taken by the crowd
The Pope leaves the cathedral in Albano as Mass comes to an end, clutching the Papal Ferula – the silver crucifix-topped staff
Closer to God: A mural of the Pope can be found in Albano, depicting his efforts to remove clouds, clearing the way for a celestial body
The outdoor Mass was attended by thousands of followers as the stage was set for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist – also known as communion
The Pope typically travels in modified cars, often referred to as Popemobiles, which feature a large viewing chamber to allow the crowds to see him better, as seen above in the vehicle used by Pope Francis while visiting Antananarivo, Madagascar