A car that is fit for the Holy Father.
Many consider the Pope to be a voice of reason, discernment, and a guide when they are in need. Pope Francis received many priceless vehicles during his tenure.
We’ll be brief. Highlights include a Ferrari Enzo and a rear-wheel drive Lamborghini Huracan. But the most important is a bespoke Dacia Duster. The Pope, being the upright figure that he is, quickly auctioned his Enzo, Huracan, to raise funds for those in need.
The name of the Japanese hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicle, which translates to “future,” has been extensively modified to meet the Pope’s specific requirements. The front is largely unchanged, but the rear has a white superstructure that houses the Holy Father. It’s equipped with all the necessary amenities to allow him to be comfortable while he parades.
The chariot is 5.1m long. Its superstructure, which adds another 1.2 metres to its original height, places it at 2.7m above the ground. We can see that Pope Francis is keen to enjoy the journey of spreading his faith, given the Toyota’s performance record. The Mirai’s 340-mile (547-kilometer) range will allow him to spread his message without relying on the tailpipes.
After the completion of a Vatican ceremony, representatives from the Japanese government and the Catholic Church visited the Vatican to hand over the two Mirais to Pope Francis. It is likely that Toyota chose its FCEV as a complement to His Holiness’s kindness and sensibilities towards mother earth.
The Pope rides now in an open-air vehicle, unlike his predecessor, who was protected by bulletproof glass. The Pope famously stated that he didn’t feel protected after his tenure began. He also said, “At my age, there’s not much to lose.” Thus, the Popemobile’s stint as Holy Father’s chariot is now an open-air machine. It’s also an insight into the future of motoring.