Pope Francis has chosen the American-made Ram 1500 to be his final ride, a surprise decision to the Vatican’s longtime car watchers. This is an unorthodox decision that says more about the pope’s character and about the legacy he wishes to leave.
The choice is in keeping with a pattern he has set since becoming pope of shunning pomp and ceremonial extravagance. From his humble shoes to his low-key transportation choice, Pope Francis has consistently broadcast his priorities.
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What It Says: The Symbolism of the Choice
The Ram 1500 embodies several values at the heart of Francis’s papacy. “If someone can’t throw a mattress in the back,” Perkins said of his truck, in which only he drives, “then he can’t use my truck.” Because it’s a work vehicle, not something to ride around in like a luxury car. It’s an expression of his sincere focus on practical faith and service.
Francis has frequently talked about the church needing to be “in the streets,” not held in ornate buildings. The truck is a metaphor for this more confrontational style of ministry that has been part of his leadership.
Some theologians point to the religious preparation of the ram in Judeo-Christian texts. The ram appearing in ancient texts was seen in the concepts of sacrifice and provision, which is central to the teaching of Francis.
The car is useful, in line with his frequent message for the church to be a “field hospital” for the injured, not a display of wealth. This pragmatic instinct has marked much of his almost decade-long papacy.
Breaking With Tradition
Pope’s rides through history The pope’s transportation for centuries has included very specific rules for design and look. From then on, black Mercedes limousines and custom-made “Popemobiles” have universally been used for transporting the pope.
Francis shattered this pattern soon after his election in 2013. He made headlines by riding in a basic bus alongside other cardinals instead of being driven in the papal limousine.
He has opted for modest Fiats and other budget-conscious cars for official travel throughout his papacy. The Ram pick is the perfection of that approach, not a divergence from it.
Vatican insiders tell me that the decision met with considerable pushback from traditionalists. Several ninemoo sensei felt that things should be done as they always had been for this ceremonial formality.
Specifications of the Papal Ram 1500Here is what you need to know about the Papal Ram 1500!
The chosen vehicle has had numerous changes but has not lost its identity as a working truck. These modifications satisfy security needs, while preventing it from becoming something totally different.
Feature Standard Ram 1500 Papal Ram 1500 Engine 5.7L V8 HEMI 3.6L V6 Pentastar (more eco-friendly) Color Options White interior and exterior All white (Vatican-esque) Interior Leather and cloth Plain cloth seats Security Stock Enhanced glass and comms Bed Standard pickup bed Modified for signaled use Emissions Standard Tightened eco emissions
The alterations reflect Francis’s environmental worries, but also the vehicle’s humble nature. The less-complicated engine option would be in line with his encyclical on environmental stewardship.
Reactions From Around the World
The news was met with a variety of responses from faith and car fans. And many of the Catholic faithful regard it as nothing short of what was expected, given the pope’s longtime values.
And American Catholics were especially proud that it was a car built in their country that was chosen. The Ram’s manufacture in Michigan places the papacy in American industrial tradition.
More mixed reactions have come from conservative Catholics. Some view the decision as an unnecessary departure from key traditions that connect the current church with its past.
The decision has drawn praise and condemnation from environmental activists. More humble than a luxury car, but it’s still dirty, eco-critics point out.
Background of the Transportation of The Popes
The history of papal transportation is a history of personality and the times. Early popes were carried on lavishly adorned chairs known as “sedia gestatoria.”
Pope Pius XI became the first pope to use cars habitually in the 1920s. His Mercedes-Benz Nürburg 460 was the perfect symbol of the church entering into the modern age and yet maintaining its dignity.
The iconic bulletproof “Popemobile” was created during John Paul II’s pontificate in response to the 1981 assassination attempt. Security was a contributing factor in the development of cars.
In specific locations, Benedict XVI launched the first electric papal vehicle. That was the start of the encyclical on papal transportation decisions by considering the effects on the environment.
The Ram 1500’s Road to Vatican City
The car was converted at a custom facility where some safety features and some minimal cosmetic touch were made. Engineers grappled with many, and at times competing, priorities.
It went by cargo ship across the Atlantic, not as air freight. This was a much slower process with far less carbon emissions (a nod to Francis’s concerns about the environment).
In Italy, the car was greeted by a modest blessing ceremony. This modest reception suited Francis’s preference for substance over spectacle.
The vehicle was driven by specifically trained Vatican security squads. Protection measures had to be amended because of the truck’s altered profile.
What This Means for Next Papal Traditions
The example set by Francis raises questions about how future popes may treat transportation and other trappings of the office. His actions could free successors to take similarly unorthodox decisions.
Is it the new normal?Some Vatican observers say this reflects a broader trend of church leadership turning a new page when it comes to material property. The focus on the simple may also extend to other elements of Vatican life.
The automotive industry itself has not missed the harvest of publicity which the selection brings. Several companies have already demonstrated an interest in producing vehicles to be used by future popes.
Religious scholars are divided over whether that is a change that is itself fairly temporary, linked to a single pope’s personality, or something more lasting, an actual shift in Vatican culture. The answer probably depends on who comes after Francis.
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A Personal Connection
Friends of the pope claim that his taste was influenced by his time as a young priest in Argentina. He would frequently visit impoverished areas in nondescript vehicles like those used for work trucks.
During his tenure as Archbishop of Buenos Aires, he was noted for using public transportation in preference to being chauffeured in a private car. It had been a pattern of behaviour since his early days as a priest, and later as Pope.
Francis had reportedly also test-driven several other options before deciding on the Ram. The fact that he took the decision draws attention to its importance.
Those who have worked closely with the pope observe that he prefers function more than prestige. It also fits with the hands-on mode of leadership that Mr. Buttigieg practices.
Public Viewing Plans
The Vatican has said there will be a few opportunities for members of the public to see the car before it is put to use. These events will stress the symbology much more than the truck itself.
Security concerns will impact its display and eventual deployment. The Vatican officials are always juggling access against safety.
Francis has asked that the explanatory notes center on the values signified by the choice, not technical details. This is in line with him prioritizing substance over style.
Religious education resources will include the choice of vehicle as a teaching opportunity about United Methodist priorities and the appropriate role of material goods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the car going to be a daily driver or a show queen?
A: Cheapest way to go but the Ram will become an honor guard vehicle and more fuel efficient cars would perform daily use.
Q: What was spent on the changes to the regular Ram 1500?
A: The Vatican has not revealed precise figures, but sources have said the costs were far lower than on former papal cars.
Q: Will the vehicle be permanently parked in the Vatican City after the ceremony?
A: The vehicle will eventually be exhibited in the Vatican Museum, which has a collection of historic papal transport.
Q: Did Pope Francis think about driving an electric vehicle?
A: Yes, several electric models were considered, but the safety and ceremonial requirements were beyond what current battery technology could sustain.
In that sense, the Pope’s Ram 1500 puncho is no different than the Pope himself, and suggests that those who have followed Francis throughout his papacy should not be surprised — whether the appointment of a Ram says it all or simply says enough. In choosing this final mode of transport, he’s leaving one more lesson about his vision of the church he has steered.
