Popemobile rides again for the first time since pandemic

Pope Francis gave his first in-person general audience since the 2020 rise of the world pandemic.

Like a parade float ushering in a new seasonal celebration, the popemobile was back in action on Wednesday, April 20. Pope Francis rode the iconic papal vehicle into his weekly general audience, the first to be held in-person since the pandemic began in 2020. 

Thousands of pilgrims and faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the occasion, as the Vatican resumed its weekly functions. For the last two years Pope Francis has given his weekly speeches via video from the Apostolic Library.