Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural ride in the popemobile stirred major debate after he chose not to use bulletproof glass, breaking standard Vatican security protocol.
During his swearing-in ceremony at St. Peter’s Square, the first American pope greeted crowds from an open-top popemobile, a move that reminded many of past assassination attempts — especially the 1981 attack on Pope John Paul II that led to armored popemobiles.
Security expert Will Geddes noted that while Pope Leo’s team likely had tight control of the area — including ground and rooftop surveillance — the lack of bulletproof shielding still posed a serious risk. Geddes explained that, despite strong safety procedures, “the enemy only has to be lucky once.”
Pope Leo’s decision mirrors that of Pope Francis, who also rejected the use of heavy protection to feel more accessible to people. Geddes believes Leo wanted to appear approachable, even amid growing threats. Being both American and a Christian leader in a volatile global climate could make him a symbolic target, especially among extremists.
In short, while the decision reflects confidence and a personal philosophy of openness, many experts remain uneasy about the risks involved.
