Pope to use Skoda Rapid during visit to Ireland

Pope Francis arrives in Ireland this weekend for the World Meeting of Families, and while here, he will travel around in a specially adapted Škoda.

Škoda Ireland has confirmed that when Pope Francis touches down in Dublin on Saturday morning, he will be transported to Áras an Uachtaráin in a Škoda Rapid

“We are excited and honoured to be official car partner of the World Meeting of Families 2018,” said Škoda Ireland’s Head of Marketing and Product, Raymond Leddy.

“Three identical Škoda Rapid vehicles, each fitted with unique identification registration plates, have been reserved for the event.

“As part of the Papal fleet, we are commemorating Pope John Paul II’s visit to Ireland, with vehicle registration 182-C-1979; and, of course, marking this year’s event with vehicle registration 182-C-2018. 182-D-9093 reg is the primary vehicle, which, when the digits 9093 are inverted, spells out the word Pope.

“Each Škoda Rapid provided has been customised to requirements. Modified glass has been installed and each vehicle has been provided in a unique navy-blue colour as requested. Small chrome flag poles have also been installed to the passenger-side fenders, which will display the Vatican flag,” Leddy explained.

Following the departure of Pope Francis, his Škoda Rapid, together with an additional Škoda Rapid, will be provided to a charity to be nominated by Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, in accordance with the wishes of Pope Francis.

In addition to providing transport to Pope Francis in Dublin and Knock, Škoda Ireland will provide logistical services to dignitaries, with a fleet of Superb, Karoq, and Octavia vehicles.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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