I saw something on TV today about two men who built the Popemobile for John Paul II when he visited Ireland in 1979. The Popemobile is the name given to a variety of vehicles in which various popes have been driven about in public. Over the last few days, as people have been talking about the upcoming visit of the current Pope, Francis, to Ireland, I’ve begun to realise that people take this word somewhat more seriously than I thought.
I’d always assumed it was a bit tongue-in-cheek, mainly because it makes me think of the Batmobile, and when you start thinking of the Pope and Batman together, it’s hard to take either too seriously. Of course the name isn’t directly derived from Batmobile: both obviously reference the word automobile.
Funnily enough, for such common machines, automobiles have had quite a few different names over the years. I say car, for example, though the word car predates the existence of the modern motor car. It shares the same origins as the word chariot, and could originally refer to any wheeled, horse-drawn vehicle, like a cart, chariot, or wagon. Both motor car and autocar, referring respectively to the engine and the lack of a horse, can be traced to 1895, though autocar never took off.
Horseless carriage was relatively popular at first, but as the novelty of the lack of horses diminished, it fell out of favour. Automobile though, came about in 1897, and became quite popular, becoming the standard form in American English, with motor car being the most common term in British English, usually shortened to car.
Automobile is the more interesting to me though, as it’s a mixture of Latin and Greek origins. Auto comes from the Ancient Greek autós (self), and mobile from the Latin mobilis (moveable).
So it’s kind of appropriate that Popemobile retains the Latin portion of automobile. I still think it’s a ridiculous term, but then I suppose in 2018 the idea of pope is pretty ridiculous, like kings and queens, so it’s kind of appropriate. It’s hard to take seriously the idea of a man that people think speaks the word of God being driven round Dublin in a car named after his job, that sounds like Batmobile.
Still, at least the weather’s meant to be nice at the weekend.
I remember the last visit, at the time, Soap on a Rope was the big trend so obviously some marketing genius saw the opportunity there for… yep the inevitable (soap) Pope on a Rooe. That was the most ridiculous thing I remember, even eclipsing the Pooemobile
LikeLiked by 2 people
This year you can buy a lollipope in Dealz!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Eeeuuu 🤢 there is something intrinsically wrong about that, especially since it’s aimed at kids and under the circumstances
LikeLiked by 1 person
The BBC did non-stop coverage of the Pope’s visit back then. Even to this day, I hate the song, “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.” 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I still hear that in my head when I see the framed picture of him in my parents’ house!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh dear. You still have the PTSD and flashbacks.
It should be an interesting visit. Ireland has change immensely since JP II came. Ireland is far less devoutly Catholic than during the last visit. A gay Tioseach (sp). Abortion being legalised. A much more diverse population, far less deferential to the Roman Catholic church, and a different kind of Pope.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was so weirdly low-key. Obviously quite a few people were excited, and many others were protesting, but I think most people just weren’t that interested!
LikeLike
It shows how Ireland really has changed in the past 20+ years, doesn’t it?
LikeLiked by 1 person
It really does, I don’t think there are many other European countries that have had such a rapid social change!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A gay, half-Irish, half-Indian Taoiseach! Unthinkable at the last Papal visit, when Haughey was in charge.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Heaven knows what Trump will make of it all in November!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, when he visits that English city of Dublin… 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
There was also a tongue-in-cheek song a few years ago: “We Hijacked the Popemobile. ” :0
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve had a sneak preview of his speech for when he visits Belfast, in which he reveals his plans for the post-Brexit NI/Eire border.
“We’re going to build a wall. And the Micks are going to pay for it.”
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can imagine that, presuming he understands the difference between both parts of the island, of course!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You presume a wee bit too much, aye, so ye do, wee man…
LikeLiked by 1 person
You can never presume anything with Trump!
LikeLike
But he’s doing a great job.
LikeLike
I suppose he is in the sense that he’s successfully doing a lot of the awful things he promised he would!
LikeLiked by 1 person
He’ll be meeting the Teacher of Ireland, Varadkar, soon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve no idea what Trump will make of him, but Leo will be polite and non-controversial.
LikeLike
“President Verruca, your country is not as cold and icy as I expected. I just love your capital, Rejykjavik. Hey, Iceland, Ireland, I’m winning bigly at geography.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
Probably frighteningly accurate!
LikeLike
“Sahib Varadkar, it is great to be in India, doing amazing deals with you”
LikeLiked by 1 person
Trump is looking forward today to Last Night of the Proms. He said he wants to see the end of these high school events.
LikeLike
https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/us-president-donald-trump-cancels-controversial-planned-visit-to-ireland-37305451.html
The Donald is not coming to Ireland. He says he’s visited that part of Great Britain anyway…
LikeLiked by 1 person
I felt he wouldn’t come. I honestly think he was genuinely shocked to learn people were planning to protest, and cancelled in a tantrum.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Got it in one. The T-Shirt of Ireland, Varadkar, will be relieved.
LikeLiked by 1 person