The Argentine club automobile (ACA) pays tribute to Pope Francis and exhibits in front of his central offices the “papamobo” that was specially designed by the club for the visit of John Paul II to Argentina in June 1982.
Those who pass through Avenida del Libertador 1850 (CABA) can see an Immaculate building at the door Ford F-350 totally turned into the country.
“We continued to keep it in perfect condition waiting for Francisco’s visit,” said César Carman, president of the ACA.
ACA is synonymous with mobility. In its 120 years of history, its commitment and vocation of service with motorists and the community, such as its development and growth in motor sport, made it a local and international prestige institution.
It is a unit that was used by the Supreme Pontiff during its 33 -hour lightning visit in the Malvinas War.
The model, manufactured in 1981, was intended to be used as a Aid cranebut before the visit and at the request of the archbishopric of Buenos Aires, the employees of Automobile Club made him a “Papamóvil”, working in 24 -hour shifts for four days in a row.
The work included remove the crane from the rear of the truck and place the cabin where Juan Pablo II would travel. The cabin floor has an iron plate and a quebracho wooden plate, on which a Red carpet.
In addition, the cabin has a white rotating seat for holiness and four banks for those who were its ecclesiastical or security companions.
Given the attack that had suffered a short time before his visit, the cabin has antibala crystals, and follows all the safety standards established by the Holy See at the time. In fact, it was through his glass that John Paul II observed the crowds that were crowded to see the first Pope in the story that the Argentine floor -for example, on the Ricchieri highway, May 25 or the streets of the city of Buenos Aires.
The truck, completely white, carries in its two doors the Vatican shield, while at both ends of the front bumper exhibits an Argentine flag and another of the Vatican.
The possibility of visiting and seeing the papamobile is unique, since due to its dimensions it was not exposed in the Aca Museum Museum.
“We always dream of making Francisco the Papamóvil used John Paul II in 1982, or designing a new one based on the current security measures of the Vatican,” explains Carman.
“Today, these days of pain and reflection, we thought it would be an adequate time to remember the ties that joined us with the Holy See, and say as an institution that we were always and we will be available to receive the Holy Father in our land. Unfortunately it could not be with Francisco, but perhaps in the future we can receive with open arms to his successor,” Carman completed.