Armoured ‘popemobiles’

Press, 29 March 1982, Page 9

Armoured ‘popemobiles’

MZPA London Four vehicles fitted with armoured plating and bulletproof windows will be used by the Pope on his visit to Britain in May. They will cost more than $462,400. Special measures have been taken to prevent the engines stalling or being tampered with, and precautions have also been taken to prevent tyres and wheels being damaged by anyone wanting to stop and hijack any of the vehicles, the “Sunday Telegraph” reports. The first two vehicles are identifical 24.3 tonne sixwheeler trucks, based on the British Leyland T 45 constructor chassis. They have been nicknamed the “Popemobiles,” although they are officially called special papal transporters, and will be

used to carry the Pope through the huge crowds.

The second two vehicles, also identical, are based on the Range Rover. These are called processional vehicles and will be used in the motorcades through the cities arid towns. The Catholic Church and British Leyland will share the cost of building the vehicles, which are expected to be finished by May 15. just two weeks before the Pope arrives.

British Leyland officials said it was hoped that after the visit the Church would keep one of the “Popembbiles” for the Pope to use on his other travels around the world. The other three vehicles would go up for sale, with buyers, it is hoped, coming from the Middle East.

. Concern in Rome about protests during the Pope’s visit was discussed at the week-end’ by Archbishop Bruno Heim, promuncio, and the Home Secretary (Mr William Whitelaw).

Reports about the shouting down of the Archbishop of Canterbury (Dr Rober Runcie) in Liverpool on March 11, and a demonstration in Oxford, have .aroused anxieties among the Pope's advisers.

The Rev. lan Paisley will visit Liverpool on the day of the Pope’s visit in a bid to rally Protestants.

He will hold two services at the Protestant Reformers’ Church in Everton, “to point out the reasons why we are opposed to the Papal visit,” according to organisers of the protest.