At the beginning of September, Pope Francis surprised the world once again. Or at least his car did. He was seen riding a white 1984 used Renault in the Vatican.
If given a choice, most people would buy the fastest or newest car in the market, but ever since Pope Francis arrival to the Vatican, one thing is clear: as far as he's concerned, namebrands aren't that important.
The night of his election, Pope Francis rode the same bus as his fellow cardinals back to Casa Santa Marta. The black Mercedes that awaited the new Pontiff left without a passenger.
The following morning, the Mercedes was still parked. The Pope decided to carry out his first journey as the leader of the Catholic Church in a very discrete Volkswagen model provided by the Vatican's Gendarmerie.
Ever since that day, whenever he needs to get from one place to another, his first choice is always the modest one. He arrived at Ciampino airport in a Ford Focus and at WYD in Rio used a silver Fiat SUV.
But just like his predecessors, he still uses the popemobile. His favorite choice is an open Mercedes-Benz G Class, which makes it easier for him to greet the people.
'I missed one in the back who was calling meâ?...
But ironically, the most expensive cars have been the least expensive for the Vatican. Luxurious companies usually give the Pope some of their best vehicles for free. And we're not only talking about cars: even Harley Davidson gave Francis two bikes during the bikers pilgrimage to Rome last June.
