Photos: Pope Francis Opts For A Smaller Car To Mass, Instead of His “Popemobile”

Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State, has been seen arriving to celebrate Mass at Albano Laziale’s cathedral on the outskirts of the city of Rome.

Thousands of devout Catholics and 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.

However, 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.’

See some photos of his arrival below:

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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 | Photo: Mail Online

Pope Francis greets two lucky children after his arrival at the cathedral. | Photo: Mail Online

A large procession of priests joined Pope Francis as he made his way into the cathedral's grounds before beginning Mass | Photo: Mail Online