Pope Francis has instructed his staff that he will use a regular vehicle during his visit to Israel and not an armored one as he wishes to maintain a lower profile. According to a Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) report, the pope will wear simple white robes and refrain from using his vast selection decorations and jewelry. Reports surrounding the upcoming papal visit to Jerusalem signal the pontiff wishes to show humility and maintain a low profile and he is taking appropriate measures towards doing just that.

Representative of the Catholic Church in Israel Vicar David Neuhaus told the press he and his colleagues are not surprised. “He did not want to travel in armored vehicles. He is a guest of honor so they cannot force it on him”. Neuhaus acknowledges this reality will make the security detail even more difficult and result in the closure of additional streets to increase the size of the sterile area.

It is explained that while the pope wishes to get closer to the people, the security realities will be such that the opposite will occur and as in the past, Jerusalemites will find this official visit for a foreign VIP will lead to road closures and traffic delays.

Israel Police Chief Yochanan Danino is expected to visit routes that will be used during the visit with the Vatican ambassador to Israel ahead of the trip which code is named Operation White Cloak.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)