Even though Pope Leo XIV is not visiting the United States this year, the popemobile is. Source: CNS.
The white, custom-built Hyundai vehicle will go on a 13-city tour of the US, covering 6000 kilometres from New York to California.
Dubbed the “Hopemobile”, Pope Francis wanted the popemobile to be used after his death to benefit those who are poor and vulnerable.
Last week, it was given to Cross Catholic Outreach, the US-based Catholic relief and development organisation, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.
Archbishop Luis Marín de San Martín, head of the Dicastery for the Service of Charity, handed the keys over to CCO’s president, Michele Sagarino.
Ms Sagarino said CCO will use the popemobile to create moments of encounter, prayer and action to help children affected by war.
“At a moment when the country is reflecting on its history, this is an opportunity not just to serve, but to witness, to evangelise, to bring faith into the public square and to invite people into a deeper encounter with the Catholic faith, and a greater compassion and care for the vulnerable around the world,” she said in a statement to CNS.
The initiative, called “American Catholic Heroes: The Road Trip for Hope,” will run from June to July and coincide with the 250th anniversary of the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence in 1776.
Cross Catholic Outreach has invited Michael Iskander, the actor who played King David in the streaming series House of David, to drive the popemobile. The Catholic prayer app, Hallow, will film a video series to premiere on YouTube.
CCO plans to raise money for children around the world who have been affected by war, and to highlight different “heroes of the faith” who devoted their lives to the Gospel.
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