Popemobile will appear in Birmingham

Sep 8 2010 by Neil Elkes, Birmingham Mail

THE Papal visit will be worth an estimated £12.5 million to Birmingham’s economy, according to the city councillor co-ordinating event.

And it has emerged that the Pontiff will travel in his world-famous Popemobile through the crowds gathered for his service at Cofton Park on September 19.

City leaders are also in talks with the Catholic Church about a further journey in the glass car, perhaps outside the park’s security fence to enable more people see him.

Coun Alan Rudge (Con, Sutton Vesey), who is responsible for the council’s Papal visit arrangements, revealed the Popemobile plans for Birmingham.

He said: “This is a once-in-a lifetime opportunity for the city, a momentous event.