Pope Francis’ Last Ride: A Humble Farewell with a Ram 1500

A Ride That Spoke Volumes
Pope Francis’ final journey through the heart of Rome was everything you’d expect from the “People’s Pope”—simple, heartfelt, and deeply moving.
Instead of a fancy, ornate hearse, his coffin made its way through the city on the back of a modified Ram 1500 pickup truck. A fitting farewell for a man who always stayed close to the everyday people he served.

Why a Ram 1500?
The white Ram 1500 wasn’t just any pickup—it was a special gift to the Vatican from Mexico back in 2017.
This same truck had actually been used during Pope Francis’ 2016 trip to Mexico, where it served as his popemobile.
By choosing it for his final ride, Pope Francis once again showed his deep connection to simplicity, humility, and the global community he cherished so much.

The procession itself traced a six-kilometer path, winding through Rome’s most historic spots—past the Colosseum, the Roman Forums, and through the timeless streets—giving thousands a chance to say their goodbyes.
The sight of that pickup truck, gently carrying his coffin, was a powerful image of the bridge Francis always tried to build: between the sacred and the everyday. (Catholic News Agency)

Breaking Tradition (In the Best Way)
In another break from tradition, Pope Francis was buried not within the Vatican but at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore—something that hasn’t happened for over 100 years.
It was a deeply personal choice, highlighting his devotion to the Virgin Mary and his desire for a modest, unpretentious final resting place. (The Guardian)

The decision to swap out the usual luxury hearse for a humble pickup truck wasn’t just practical—it made a real statement.
Pope Francis was reminding the world one last time: leadership is about service, not spectacle.

A Final Lesson in Humility
The whole scene—the Ram 1500 slowly weaving through ancient Roman streets, carrying the simple coffin—felt like the perfect summation of everything Pope Francis stood for.
It was less about grandeur and more about real, grounded compassion. Less about status, more about humanity.

His last journey wasn’t just a farewell. It was a message, loud and clear: find greatness in simplicity, lift up others, and stay connected to what truly matters.

As that pickup rolled toward Santa Maria Maggiore, it wasn’t just transporting a leader—it was carrying a legacy built on kindness, humility, and hope. A legacy the world won’t soon forget.