On the road: Popemobile heads to the USA
Before Pope Francis passed away, he said he wanted his popemobile to be used after his death to benefit those who are poor or vulnerable.
This week it was gifted to the U.S.-based Catholic relief and development organization, Cross Catholic Outreach, which is turning it into a "Hopemobile" and taking it cross-country to raise funds, foster prayer and promote the Church's mission.
Carol Glatz
A white, custom-built Hyundai popemobile prepares for shipment from the Vatican to the United States in late April 2026 at the Vatican. (CNS photo/ courtesy of Cross Catholic Outreach)
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Even though Pope Leo XIV is not visiting the United States this year, the popemobile is!
The white, custom-built Hyundai vehicle will go on a 13-city tour of the U.S., covering 3,700 miles from New York to California.
Dubbed the "Hopemobile," Pope Francis wanted the popemobile to be used after his death to benefit those who are poor and vulnerable.
This week it was given to Cross Catholic Outreach, the U.S.-based Catholic relief and development organization, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.
Archbishop Luis Marín de San Martín, head of the Dicastery for the Service of Charity, handed the keys over to CCO's president, Michele Sagarino, who said they will use the popemobile to create moments of encounter, prayer and action to help children affected by war.
"At a moment when the country is reflecting on its history, this is an opportunity not just to serve, but to witness, to evangelize, to bring faith into the public square and to invite people into a deeper encounter with the Catholic faith, and a greater compassion and care for the vulnerable around the world," she said in a statement to CNS.
The initiative, called "American Catholic Heroes: The Road Trip for Hope," will run from June to July and coincide with the 250th anniversary of the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence in 1776.
Cross Catholic Outreach has invited Michael Iskander, the actor who played King David in the streaming series, House of David, to drive the popemobile. The Catholic prayer app, Hallow, will film a video series to premiere on YouTube.
CCO plans to raise money for children around the world who have been affected by war, and to highlight different "heroes of the faith" who devoted their lives to the Gospel.
Over the past 25 years, Cross Catholic Outreach has received upwards of $4 billion worth of donations, which have gone to support hundreds of programs in more than 90 countries. They have been assisting the Vatican dicastery for many years, particularly in material aid for Ukraine.
