Skoda Ireland has announced it will lend its support to the 2018 World Meeting of Families – a yearly gathering of the Roman Catholic Church.
Part of this commitment includes providing the pontiff himself, Pope Francis, with transport. As such, when the Pope touches down at Dublin Airport he will be transported to Aras an Uachtarain, the Irish presidential residence, in the back of a specially modified Skoda Rapid.
Pope Francis is famed for his humble choice of vehicle, often choosing modest cars over the classic glass-sided ‘Popemobiles’ more associated with his position. He even drives himself around the Vatican in an ancient Renault 4.
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Fitting then, that one of Skoda’s humblest vehicles – sitting above only the Fabia and Citigo in the brand’s range – should transport the Pontiff around Ireland.
Of course, the Rapid has had a few changes to bring it up to Pope-spec. Skoda Ireland’s head of marketing, Raymond Leddy, spelled out the changes: “Three identical Skoda Rapid vehicles, each fitted with unique identification registration plates, have been reserved for the event.
“As part of the Papal fleet, we are commemorating Pope John Paul II’s visit to Ireland, with vehicle registration 182-C-1979 and, of course, marking this year’s event with vehicle registration 182-C-2018. 182-D-9093 is the primary vehicle, which, when the digits 9093 are inverted, spells out the word Pope.
“Each Skoda Rapid provided has been customised to requirements. Modified glass has been installed and each vehicle has been provided in a unique navy-blue colour as requested. Small chrome flag poles have also been installed to the passenger-side fenders, which will display the Vatican flag.”
There’s also beefed up window glass for extra protection and a custom armrest for the pontiff’s comfort.
As many as 500,000 people are expected to attend mass under Pope Francis in Dublin’s Phoenix Park during the event. A fleet of Karoq, Octavia and Superb models will provide support to the Pope’s staff and other dignitaries throughout the visit.