Vatican bares Popemobile for Philippine visit

MANILA, Philippines - The Vatican on Saturday morning revealed the first official look of the Popemobile for Pope Francis' visit in the Philippines.

The announcement of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications confirmed earlier reports that the Roman Pontiff will be riding a "jeepney." The vehicle, however, also bears some resemblance with original Popemobiles with the backseat open to make the Pope visible to greeters and crowds.

The Popemobile for the Philippines is painted white, has chrome wheels and does not have a bulletproof glass separating Pope Francis from the faithful. It also bears the Papal insignia.

The vehicle reportedly arrived at the Port of Manila on Thursday and traditionally carries the plate "SCV 1," which stands for "Status Civitatis Vaticanae," which is Latin for Vatican City State. The registration plate for Pope Francis' usual Popemobile, however, is "SCV 00919."

Francis will use two Popemobiles for the Manila and Leyte legs of his five-day pastoral visit next week, while another flying in from his South Korea visit will serve as a back up vehicle.