This article was first published 12 years ago

Popemobile: The wheels that drive the Pontiff

Last updated on: March 15, 2013 09:36 IST

Photographs: Osservatore Roman/Reuters

Okay, the smoke has settled and the new Pope, Francis I has got down to work.

On Day 1 of his day in office, the newly-elected Pope shunned the special chauffeur-driven "Vatican One" limousine and preferred to take the minibus with the other cardinals.

Back in the day, Pope Francis -- then Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio -- preferred to take the bus.

Wonder what he would ride on when he embarks on foreign tours. His predecessors chose to hop into the safe and secure Popemobile.

Let's take a look at some of the Popemobiles over the years

This Mercedes-Benz Popemobile was given to Pope Benedict XVI in December 7, 2012.

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Photographs: Alessia Pierdomenico/Reuters

Pope Benedict XVI arrives on his popemobile to lead his weekly general audience at St Peter's Square at the Vatican.

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Photographs: Matthew Lloyd/Getty Images

Father Stephen Wang of Allen Hall Seminary looks inside the Popemobile as it is displayed to members of the press at Hendon Police College in London, England.

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Photographs: World Youth Day via Getty Images

In this handout photo provided by World Youth Day, Benedict XVI makes his way through the Sydney CBD in the Papal Motorcade after the Papal Welcome at Barangaroo during World Youth Day Sydney 2008.

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Photographs: Sean Gallup/Getty Images

Benedict XVI waves from his Popemobile to gathered pilgrims upon his arrival on September 11, 2006 in Altoetting, Germany.

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Photographs: Franco Origlia/Getty Images

John Paul II arrives in St Peter's Square in his popemoblie for a special mass May 18, 2003 in Vatican City.

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Photographs: Reuters

John Paul II crosses the Champs Elysees in his popemobile escorted by police following his meeting with President Jacques Chirac at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France.

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Photographs: Reuters

John Paul II greets worshippers from his bullet-proof popemobile as he passes a Jesus Christ image at Revolution Square in downtown Havana, Cuba.

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Photographs: Reuters

Two Roman Catholic priests walk alongside the Popemobile at the Sarajevo's airport

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Photographs: Reuters

The Popemobile travels in front of Split's cathedral flanked by Croatian police in training for the protection of the pope in the streets of the Adriatic city of Split.

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Photographs: Reuters

John Paul II travels aboard the Popemobile inside the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico

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Photographs: Reuters

John-Paul II arrives in the popemobile in Manager Square, Jordan to celebrate a mass

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Photographs: Juan Carlos Ulate/Reuters

John Paul II waves from the Popemobile on his arrival to Guatemala City

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Photographs: Juan Carlos Ulate/Reuters

John Paul II waves to the welcoming crowds from his popemobile after arriving in San Salvador

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Photographs: Juan Carlos Ulate/Reuters

Tight security surrounds John Paul II's popemobile as it drives over hand-strewn dyed sawdust carpets with peace emblems after a mass at the Valle de Maria site in the town of Esquipulas, some 200 km southwest of Guatemala City.

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Photographs: Juan Carlos Ulate/Reuters

John Paul II travels in his popemobile through rural Newfoundland, while on his way to Flatrock to bless the fishing fleet.

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