'Popemobile' to be used during N.Y. visit

NEW YORK, March 29 (UPI) -- The so-called Popemobile will be used to transport Pope Benedict XVI in New York during the Catholic Church leader's visit next month.

A spokesman for the Archdiocese of New York said the pope will use the specially designed bulletproof vehicle to get around the city during his three-day stay, the New York Daily News reported. The itinerary of his public appearances includes a special mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral.

"That will be an opportunity for people to see His Holiness," spokesman Joseph Zwilling said of the April 19 event.

The Popemobile will also make an appearance at Yankee Stadium where it will be taken onto the field to allow the pope to conduct a mass April 20.

While the vehicle is being used as a precaution, Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly told the Daily News there shouldn't be any problems during the visit.

"We have a lot of experience protecting high-profile visitors," he said.