Pope John Paul II rode in a specially designed 1999 Cadillac DeVille when he greeted a crowd of 100,000 people at the Estadio Azteca. The Pope was escorted around the stadium in the one-of-a-kind DeVille before delivering his end-of-the-millennium "Address to All Generations."

"It's a privilege to create this special vehicle for the Pope, and it's an affirmation of Cadillac's high quality, high prestige image that we have had for more than 95 years," said DeVille Brand Manager Patrick Kemp. "This is a continuation of Cadillac's long history of providing vehicles for world leaders. Cadillac provides 90 percent of Americans' diplomatic vehicles at embassies and consulates worldwide."

The DeVille has been modified into a convertible and is specially equipped with an elevated platform for the papal chair, extra-wide doors, easy-entry steps, and the official seals and flags of the Vatican. GM de Mexico Design Studio undertook the project's initial stages of converting a Cadillac DeVille into the papal car. Cadillac then contracted two of its Master Coach builders, Eureka Coach and Roush Technologies, to complete the conversion.

Adaptations include:

• Stretching the vehicle by 30 inches to allow for a widened rear door for the pontiff's entry and egress;
• Steps leading to the rear door for ease of entry;
• An elevated platform for the papal chair to enhance touring and viewing. The platform contains a hydraulic pneumatic lift that can be raised up to 12 inches;
• A security handrail surrounding the platform;
• Rear seat elevation for enhanced viewing by seated dignitaries and VIPs.