Volkswagen Philippines formally turned over last January 29, 2015 to the Philippines’ Apostolic Nuncio, a Touran multipurpose vehicle (MPV), the same unit Pope Francis used during His Holiness’ visit from January 15 to 19, 2015.

Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto, the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, received the Night Blue Metallic seven-seater MPV from John Philip Orbeta, president and CEO of Volkswagen Philippines, the official importer and distributor of Volkswagen cars in the country.

The Touran that bore the SCV 1 licence plate, the official registration plate of the Pope, made its debut when it shuttled the Pope to Malacañang Palace last January 16. The following morning, on January 17, the same Touran brought the Pope to Villamor Air Base where he flew to Tacloban City in Leyte.

The Touran was once again at His Holiness’ service in the morning of January 18 as it brought the Pope from the Apostolic Nunciature to the University of Santo Tomas where he held morning meetings with religious leaders and more than 20,000 young people. Pope Francis departed for Rome on January 19.

“It’s an honor and privilege for us to become part of His Holiness’ historic visit to the Philippines. Volkswagen’s reputation for reliability is very much reflected in the Touran and we are proud to donate this vehicle to the Manila Nunciature,” said Orbeta.