LATAM Cargo has flown two papamobiles from Brazil to Lima ahead of Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Peru from 11 to 16 November. The Chevrolet Colorado vehicles, built by General Motors to Vatican specifications, arrived at Jorge Chávez International Airport on 1 November. Each weighs about three tonnes; both were partially dismantled and are to be assembled in the coming days. Peru’s Foreign Minister Carlos Espá supervised their arrival and unloading.
The aircraft used was a Boeing 767-300F on a nonstop flight from Viracopos Airport, near Campinas, to Lima. Preparing each vehicle for transport took six to eight hours, including securing it to a cargo platform. Hydraulic equipment was used for loading. About 20 people handled preparation in Brazil, with a further 20 involved in receiving and unloading the vehicles in Peru.
The papamobiles are intended for the Pope’s public appearances during the visit, allowing him to approach crowds. Their transport was coordinated by the Foreign Ministry, LATAM Cargo and General Motors as part of Peru’s preparations for the trip.