Posted on 06/29/2006 9:22:05 AM PDT by Pyro7480
Pope Benedict XVI Receives Custom Volvo XC90
No German car for Pope Benedict XVI as the Catholic church leader received a new Volvo XC90 that has been custom tailored for his personal use. During a June 28 ceremony at the Vatican, the Pope was presented with the keys to the SUV. The V8 version vehicle is dark blue with a light interior and Volvo officials say the car, like every Volvo XC90, is designed for safety with features like ROPS (rollover protection system).
Volvo Cars presented His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI, with one of its Sport Utility Vehicles. The keys of the car have been delivered to the Pope in the Vatican, on Wednesday June 28th, with a short ceremony after the Papal Audience.
On Wednesday June 28, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI has received the keys of the Volvo XC90 that Volvo Car Corporation has presented him with. The delivery of the keys to the Pope has taken place in the Vatican, during a short ceremony after the Papal Audience.
To represent Volvo Cars, Gerry Keaney, Vice President Volvo Car Corporation, Marketing Sales and Service, Pascal Bellemans, President Volvo Auto Italia, and Michele Crisci, General Manager Volvo Auto Italia attended. The Volvo XC90 delivered to the Pope – and fitted for His personal use – is a V8 version. It is a dark blue XC90 with light interiors.
"We are absolutely happy and proud of the opportunity we had to give a car to the Pope. Safety has always been a no-compromise must for Volvo; no doubt, our strong commitment to safeguard lives could not get a higher and more touching recognition", said Pascal Bellemans, President Volvo Auto Italia.
Catholic ping!
WOW! WOW! WOW!
It's a beauty! Doesn't he also have a German car?
Edmund Casimir Cardinal Szoka points out the cool fold-down side altar in the new Volvo XC90 SUV (Sacramental Utility Vehicle) given to the Holy Father
The Pope was also impressed by the specially mounted holy water font that won't spill when moving.
Source: B16 gets a V8
Sweet!
Judging from the tires, it does not look like a heavily armored vehicle, which is not right. But maybe they'll refit it.
How long before the global-warming, SUVs-are-evil crowd starts criticizing the Pope?
Nice vehicle. I wonder if he will ever drive it himself.
I'm not sure if you were being tongue-in-cheek, but here's the sedia gestatoria:
No longer in use for the Servant of the servants of God.
Not the first Pope to receive the keys to something very nice :)
Volvo managed to match the interior leather color to the color of Benedict's cassock. Nice touch.
Holy, Hot Popemobile!
I know obviously for security reasons he cannot drive around Rome any time he wants to. But I thought I had read Pope John Paul would sometimes drive during vacations to rural parts of Poland. I wondered if Benedict also would get a chance to get behind the wheel himself during vacations or retreats. If he is not a licensed driver then obviously he would not.
Your copy of the photo is flipped - here's the right way round, with Pius XII blessing with his RIGHT hand . . . Note also the officer at the right front of the picture - swords are always worn on the left side.
nice gift from Volvo, but I'm hoping Ferrari can top that.
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