<<Print>>

Pope Francis is causing quite a stir for his refusal to ride in bullet-proof Popemobiles during public appearances. The 77-year-old pontiff says he detests being restricted in a �sardine can� because it prevents him from interacting with regular people, The Telegraph reports. Speaking on the concerns expressed for his safety, he said: �It�s true that anything could happen, but let�s face it, at my age I don�t have much to lose. I know what could happen, but it is in God�s hands� I remember in Brazil, they�d provided for me an enclosed Popemobile, but I cannot greet the people and tell them I love them inside a sardine can, even if it is made of glass. For me it is a wall.� The Pope has opted to use open-top cars in contrast to his predecessor, Benedict XVI, who rode in a bullet-proof Popemobile � a measure implemented after the attempted assassination of John Paul II in St Peter�s Square in 1981.