Pope Francis on Refusing to Ride in Bullet Proof Popemobile: “At my age I don’t have much to lose”

Pope Francis is causing quite a stir for his refusal to ride in bullet-proof Popemobiles during public appearances.

The 77-year-old pontiff says he detests being restricted in a “sardine can” because it prevents him from interacting with regular people, The Telegraph reports.

Speaking on the concerns expressed for his safety, he said:

“It’s true that anything could happen, but let’s face it, at my age I don’t have much to lose. I know what could happen, but it is in God’s hands…

I remember in Brazil, they’d provided for me an enclosed Popemobile, but I cannot greet the people and tell them I love them inside a sardine can, even if it is made of glass. For me it is a wall.”

The Pope has opted to use open-top cars in contrast to his predecessor, Benedict XVI, who rode in a bullet-proof Popemobile – a measure implemented after the attempted assassination of John Paul II in St Peter’s Square in 1981.

Photo Credit: www.telegraph.co.uk/Reuters