What kind of automobile for Pope Francis to drive to White House? (The New York Times)

A Papal Car That Screams Humility

Photo

The pope in his Fiat 500 after his arrival in Washington on Tuesday.CreditDoug Mills/The New York Times

The pope arrived at the White House in the car that whisked him into America: a black updated version of the Fiat 500. It could more or less fit in a matchbox. 

Much has been said about the pope’s humility and how he lives it publicly. In Italy, the car remains a beloved symbol of postwar mobility: It was introduced in 1957 as a cheap towncar for the masses. 

Even the oldest ones are lovingly tended to there. They remain  handy on Italy’s narrow streets and small parking spots, though that’s obviously not a problem at the White House.