El cuerpo del papa Francisco recorrió las calles de Roma en un papamóvil adaptado, un vehículo que marcó su pontificado y que ahora lo acompañó en su despedida final. Este sábado 26 de abril, miles de fieles se reunieron para rendirle homenaje mientras su féretro avanzaba hacia la basílica de Santa María la Mayor, su lugar de descanso eterno.
El vehículo, un Jeep Wrangler modificado, es el mismo que traslad hunting rifle used by the pontiff during his historic visit to Mexico in 2016. Its open design allowed Mexicans to see Francisco up close as he traveled through the streets, spreading messages of hope and mercy.
In Mexico, the papamóvil was part of a six-day journey that included stops in Mexico City, Ecatepec, Chiapas, Michoacán, and Ciudad Juárez. Francisco’s visit left a deep mark on the country, with massive crowds gathering to hear his calls for peace and justice.
The same papamóvil, now a symbol of his legacy, was chosen to carry his body through Rome. The vehicle was adapted with a platform to hold the simple wooden coffin, reflecting Francisco’s preference for humility even in death.
The procession in Rome was a solemn moment, with 14 men carrying the féretro from the Vatican to the papamóvil. Escorted by motorbike agents, the vehicle moved slowly, allowing mourners to pay their respects along the 6-kilometer route.
This papamóvil, built for security and visibility, was a constant in Francisco’s travels. It protected him while keeping him close to the people, a balance he always sought during his 12-year papacy.
In Mexico, the papamóvil carried Francisco to key moments, like his meeting with President Enrique Peña Nieto and his emotional mass at the Basilica of Guadalupe. The vehicle became a bridge between the pontiff and the faithful, just as it did in his final journey.
The choice of the same papamóvil for his funeral procession speaks to Francisco’s connection to his global flock. From Mexico to Rome, it remains a testament to his mission of bringing the Church closer to the people.
Santa María la Mayor, where Francisco was laid to rest, was a place of personal significance. He often prayed there before and after his apostolic journeys, including his 2016 trip to Mexico.
The image of the papamóvil moving through Rome’s streets will linger in the hearts of many. It was a final reminder of a pope who traveled the world to share a message of compassion, from Mexico’s vibrant streets to his last ride in the Eternal City.