Pope Francis' popemobile is Jeep Wrangler for U.S. visit

The Associated Press | USA TODAY

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis will show his rugged side when he greets the faithful from a specially outfitted Jeep Wrangler during his upcoming U.S. visit.

The Vatican on Friday confirmed that Pope Francis will be ferried about in a Jeep Wrangler similar to the one used in Ecuador in July.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, maker of Jeep, is not disclosing the configuration of the popemobile, and the Vatican said it is already in the hands of the Secret Service and won't be on view before the pope's Sept. 22 to 27 U.S. visit. Fiat Chrysler has strong ties to Italy, where Fiat and some of its luxury brands are made.

The white Wrangler used by the pope in Ecuador had a glass-front roof with open sides, allowing the popular pontiff greater proximity to his flock than popemobiles of the past, which were typically closed, bullet-proof affairs.

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