During the second day of his landmark visit to Armenia, Pope Francis had an opportunity to enjoy the magnificent view of the Biblical Mount Ararat, as on the first day, the weather was unfavorable, the director of the Holy See Press Office, Fr. Federico Lombardi, S.J., told reporters in Gyumri on June 25. Father Federico Lombardi called it a historical moment and very symbolical. He said the Pope is very pleased to see the historical and cultural values of Armenia. Yesterday, the Pontiff tasted Armenian apricots and enjoyed it greatly.
He called unprecedented the participation of 23,000 people in the Holy Mass in Gyumri. Father Lombardi said another unprecedented thing had happened in Gyumri i.e. the Pope invited Karekin II to have a trip of the Gyumri Square by popemobile. It was a significant moment, he said.
Earlier, on Friday, journalists asked Federico Lombardi why the Pope travels by a modest car, when he can afford a more expensive armored car. The latter replied that the Pope has decided to use a very simple car, as he wants to live the life of ordinary people while a luxury car symbolizes wealth, strength and power. He is trying to send a different message to us. Hence, he chooses a simple and small car. It seems to me that it is very wonderful. Maybe it is not here but in the US there is a huge caravan of vehicles with security officers, large and huge powerful armored vehicles, and a small car follows. People say, "Here is the Pope's car," - said Father Federico Lombardi.