As he lands in NYC, Pope Francis’ tiny Fiat is surrounded by giant law enforcement SUVs

NEW YORK, N.Y. – When Pope Francis landed in New York City, he again slipped into the backseat of a tiny Fiat 500L and was ferried away amid gas-guzzling SUVs and police cars.

There were dozen of vehicles: Motorcycles, Chevrolet Suburbans, the pope’s car, followed by more large SUVS and police patrol cars.

Francis has made a point of using particularly modest cars. He uses a Ford Focus to get around the Vatican. During his visit to South Korea, he used a Kia.

His modest choice Thursday was in stark contrast to the U.S. security agents guarding him and their souped-up vehicles. He arrived in Manhattan in a helicopter from Kennedy Airport, then got into the Fiat. As the motorcade drove to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the pope rolled down the windows and waved to crowds as he passed. He then switched to his Jeep popemobile and made his way to the cathedral.

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