THE POPEMOBILES ARRIVE
THE two ‘Popemobiles’ that will transport the Pontiff to the various different events on the itinerary for his short visit here have arrived ahead of the trip.
And as our picture (above) exclusively reveals, one of the vehicles has been parked up at Garda Headquarters in Dublin’s Phoenix Park ahead of this weekend’s visit.
The other Popemobile will be used for Francis’s visit to Knock. The Pontiff will pack a lot in during his trip – and the white vehicles were flown in especially for the visit.
As well as the two Popemobiles, it was announced last week that the Pope will be ferried from the airport to the city in a Skoda Rapid car, which has a starting price of €19,450.
The vehicle will carry him to Áras an Uachtaráin, Dublin Castle and the Basilica at Knock.
Skoda Ireland said three identical cars – each fitted with unique identification registration plates of significance – have been reserved for the event.
Meanwhile, the iconic Popemobile that was used by the late Pope John Paul II during his 1979 Irish visit will go on permanent display in Dublin and make occasional trips around the country for charity.
The National Wax Museum Plus is set to unveil the original Popemobile complete with wax figures of John Paul II and Pope Francis this week.
It’s understood that the current Pope will arrive into Ireland on board an Alitalia flight and use an Aer Lingus plane to travel to Knock.
Preparations for the big visit in Knock and Dublin are currently in full swing as locals deck the streets with yellow and white bunting to make Pope Francis feel at home.