Pope Francis Rides a Honda Ballade in Kenya
Photo Credit: SokoAnalyst
What does Pope Francis have in common with James Bond? They are both known for cruising around foreign locales in a wide variety of ever-changing vehicles. The main difference between the superspy and the pontiff is that the former is known for choosing exotic sports cars, while the latter is notable for picking much more practical rides.
The latest affordable Popemobile is a Honda Ballade compact car, which Pope Francis rode around in during the first day of his three-day visit to Kenya. As usual, the Pope’s choice of vehicle is an intentionally modest and efficient automobile, to show that Francis is truly an (infallible) man of the people.
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This time, though, Francis’ choice of rental car acts as even more of a statement than usual. According to Quartz Africa, the Honda was meant to contrast with the big, expensive, gas-guzzling luxury SUVs and limousines that the country’s leaders tend to drive around in, while 46% of their citizens live in poverty.
My reaction at seeing the Pope @Pontifex riding a Honda Ballade as Shepherd 1 in Kenya #PopeInKenya pic.twitter.com/zVknGOpUHT
— SokoAnalyst (@SokoAnalyst) November 25, 2015
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In addition to his sensible set of wheels, Pope Francis ingratiated himself to the Kenyan people by visiting a Kangemi slum in Nairobi, and condemning corruption during his speech at the city’s Kasarani stadium. Calling corruption a “path to death,” Francis earned lots of applause from the African audience, though few plaudits from the politicians seated on stage with him.
News Source: QZ
Patrick Grieve was born in Southwestern Ohio and has lived there all of his life, with the exception of a few years spent getting a Creative Writing degree in Southeastern Ohio. He loves to take road trips, sometimes to places as distant as Northeastern or even Northwestern Ohio. Patrick also enjoys old movies, shopping at thrift stores, going to ballgames, writing about those things, and watching Law & Order reruns. He just watches the original series, though, none of the spin-offs. And also only the ones they made before Jerry Orbach died. Season five was really the peak, in his opinion. See more articles by Patrick.