Popemobile used by Pope Francis on display at Ateneo de Manila University
The Filipino-made popemobile that the late Pope Francis used during his visit to the Philippines in 2015 is currently on display at Ateneo De Manila University.
The car, designed after the traditional jeepney, can be viewed at Bellarmine Field in front of Ateneo's Church of the Gesù until May 25.
Apart from the vehicle, visitors will see two prayers: a prayer for the eternal repose of Pope Francis and a prayer for his successor, Pope Leo XIV.
The iconic popemobile, also known as the "Pope Jeep," was built in 2014 in just six months by Armored Transport Plus Inc. (ATPI). It features a custom jeepney frame in front with an open design so the Pope could greet devotees.
Pope Francis rode the locally-made vehicle for his visits to Manila, Tacloban, and Leyte.
Since the papal visit, the car has been stored in an ATPI warehouse facility and undergoes periodical maintenance.
In April, the Pope Jeep was brought to Quiapo Church in Manila and San Antonio Parish in Makati.
Pope Francis died on April 21 at the age of 88 of a stroke, causing a coma and "irreversible" heart failure. He died almost a month after having been discharged from five weeks in the hospital, where he nearly succumbed to double pneumonia.
His funeral took place on April 26, and he was later buried at Santa Maria Maggiore basilica, breaking from tradition.
Pope Francis went to the Philippines a little over a year after Super Typhoon Yolanda devastated parts of the country, including Tacloban. During his visit, he celebrated Mass at the Manila Cathedral, the Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas, and in Tacloban City.
One of the late Pope's popemobiles is also being transformed into a mobile health clinic for children in the Gaza Strip, fulfilling one of his final wishes.
