If you abide by the idea that the Pope is really just a normal dude who gets to wear a robe everyday, then the news that he has augmented his predecessor's special Mercedes parade car with a Hyundai is, well, not really news. But c'mon, people, this is the Pope, the leader of the Catholic church, globally recognized public figure, and all-around guy you wouldn't expect to make risk-fraught public appearances in an open-topped vehicle. Remember that Kennedy fellow? Exactly.

The guys over at Jalopnik noticed that, for a recent event, the Pope was sporting a new, less-flashy ride. But forget the badge on the front, it doesn't matter that the newest Popemobile is a Hyundai and not something dripping with power, like, say, a Mercedes-Benz. What seems more remarkable is the utter lack of protection. The Hyundai Santa Fe sports rad, Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet style, some grab handles for his Holiness to hold onto, and . . . little else. In fact, it's a lot like the old vehicles the Pope rode around in decades ago.

More recent Popemobiles have gained the that nickname largely because, well, they looked like normal cars with a bullet-glass Pope display case mounted on the back. This new alfresco vehicle suits this Pope, however, who has made a point of appearing—and actually acting—humble in order to better connect with his flock. It doesn't get much more down to Earth than a Hyundai, and you have to give Pope Francis some credit for his pragmatism: The warranty on that thing may just carry over to the next pontiff.

Alexander Stoklosa Online Editor Alexander Stoklosa has been editing, writing, and reviewing cars for Car and Driver since 2010.

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