Pope Francis has told a Spanish newspaper that he prefers not to use a bulletproof Popemobile despite the dangers of an assassination attempt because it is a glass `` sardine can '' that walls him off from people . `` It 's true that anything could happen , but let 's face it , at my age I do n't have much to lose , '' he told Barcelona newspaper La Vanguardia in an interview published Friday and reported on in English by Vatican Radio . `` I know that something could happen to me , but it 's in the hands of God . '' Since an assassination attempt on then-Pope John Paul II in 1981 , the head of the Roman Catholic Church has customarily used the custom-made glass-sided Popemobile when in public . But Francis has taken his own approach to transport since assuming the papacy last year -- creating a headache for those tasked with ensuring his security . On a trip to Brazil , he climbed into a silver hatchback Fiat for the drive from the airport to downtown Rio de Janeiro . Along the route , the vehicle became pinned between a bus and a crush of well-wishers who were reaching into the car to touch the Pope . Security was stepped up after that incident . He 's also used an open-topped vehicle , rather than the enclosed , bulletproof version preferred by Benedict , for tours through crowds of the faithful in St. Peter 's Square . The Pope 's recent trip to the Holy Land , during which he made stops in Jordan , the West Bank and Jerusalem , is likely to have posed additional significant security challenges . But he sees being able to speak with and meet people directly as a key part of his pastoral role as pontiff . Another Pope Emeritus ? In the interview with La Vanguardia , Francis also did not rule out following in the footsteps of his predecessor in the role , Benedict XVI , who stood down from the papacy citing age and frailty . Francis described Benedict 's retirement as a `` great gesture '' which opened the door to the creation of an institution of Pope Emeritus , as Benedict is now known , according to Vatican Radio . `` As we live longer , we get to an age at which we can not carry on with things , '' Francis said . `` I will do the same as he did : ask the Lord enlighten me when the moment comes and tell me what I have to do , and he will tell me for sure . '' He speaks too of his commitment to interfaith relations and his hopes for Middle East peace . Asked finally how he would like to be remembered in history , Francis said he had n't thought about it , according to Vatican Radio . `` But , '' he said , `` I like it when you recall someone and say , 'he was a good guy , he did what he could , and he was not that bad . ' With that , I would be content . '' Historic attack . Would-be assassin Mehmet Ali Agca shot John Paul II in the abdomen , arm and hand , as he was driven through St Peter 's Square , Rome on May 13 , 1981 . The then-Pope suffered life-threatening injuries in the attack , but recovered after undergoing major surgery ; he later forgave Agca after meeting him in prison . Agca , who has never fully explained the reasons behind his attempt to kill John Paul II , was jailed for life ; he was pardoned in 2000 after almost 20 years behind bars , and deported back to Turkey . The gun is currently on loan to the John Paul II Museum in his hometown , Wadowice . John Paul II was canonized , or made a saint , in April , along with Pope John XXIII . Holy rollers : Popemobiles , from trucks to limos . Public transport to popemobile , Bergoglio 's journey .
Pope Francis says the enclosed , private Popemobile cut him off from the world . ` ` Let 's face it , at my age I do n't have much to lose , '' he told a Spanish journalist . Francis says Francis 's retirement was a ` ` great gesture , '' does not rule out the same .