To ensure he is seen by the crowds the pope sits in the turret of his Popemobile, surrounded on all sides by plates of three-inch plastic glass, which are strong enough to withstand explosives and high velocity bullets.

To keep him safe the Popemobile is also equipped with Kevlar-plated door panels, and a half-inch thick plate of steel under the car as protection against bombs. The pope's car also boasts air filters to protect the occupants against chemical and biological attacks. Why?