The Holy Father expressed appreciation for the vehicle, an M 430 Mercedes-Benz, colored mother-of-pearl, which he received from representatives of the German-U.S. firm DaimlerChrysler. The vehicle will be inaugurated in Toronto during World Youth Day.
Weather permitting, John Paul II crosses St. Peter´s Square for his general audiences in a white vehicle that enables him to greet thousands of pilgrims up close.
Following the 1981 attempt on his life, greater security measures were adopted, including «popemobile.» It has bulletproof glass and has been used in most of John Paul II´s international apostolic visits.
Daimler has donated several automobiles to popes since 1930. They may be viewed today in the Vatican´s Museum of Papal Carriages.
