Filipino-made Popemobile used by Pope Francis on display at Bellarmine Field
20 May 2025
A historic, Filipino-made Popemobile used by the late Pope Francis will be on display at Bellarmine Field of Ateneo de Manila University's Loyola Heights Campus, starting on 21 May to Sunday, 25 May 2025.
Built in 2014 by Armored Transport Plus Inc (ATPI), this iconic Popemobile was used by Pope Francis during his 2015 visit to the Philippines. Also known as the "Pope Jeep," the vehicle was custom-built on the frame of a jeepney according to specifications provided by the Vatican. In addition to the Pope's customary seating area other changes include a custom suspension and a new engine. Work on the "Pope Jeep" was completed in just six months.
It was requested by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle and was used by Pope Francis during his historic appearance at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta, where the vehicle carried him from the Apostolic Nunciature to the grandstand and back.
ATPI president and chairman Mr Edison Cham is the current custodian of this Popemobile. Despite the decade that has passed, the vehicle remains in the original condition it was in when used by the late Pope Francis during his 2015 visit.
The Popemobile will be on display at Bellarmine Field, in front of Ateneo's Church of the Gesù until Sunday, 25 May 2025. As part of the display, it features plaques bearing two prayers: a Prayer for the Eternal Repose of Pope Francis, and a Prayer for Pope Leo XIV.