On a few occasions during his visit to the United States, Pope Benedict will travel by Popemobile so that people on the streets can see him as he passes.
Pope John Paul II was the first Pope to use a Popemobile. However, the idea originally stems from a mobile version of the papal throne used for centuries. This chair on poles was carried by twelve bearers and allowed the Pope to be seen by the people when traveling.
The Popemobile is specially-equipped vehicles used to protect the Pope while allowing him to be visible to the crowds. The special equipment includes bullet-proof glass surrounding the Pope (added after the 1981 attempt on Pope John Paul II’s life), a handrail so the Pope can wave to the crowds while the vehicle is in motion, and steps to allow ease of entry from the rear of the vehicle.
The Popemobile that Pope Benedict XVI will use in the United States was made by Mercedes-Benz. Other automobile manufacturers have made the vehicles used by Popes. In some cases, those vehicles were kept in the countries of use after the Pope’s departure. This Popemobile, however, will return to the Vatican after the visit.
