Pope Sued for Not Wearing Seat Belt in Popemobile
Pope Benedict XVI is to be sued for not wearing a seat belt whilst traveling in his famous Popemobile during a recent visit to Germany.
His native country has confirmed the lawsuit, and local lawyer Johannes Christian Sundermann has filed papers in Dortmund on behalf of an unknown citizen against the Pope.
It is believed that the Catholic Church head was not wearing his seat belt whilst driving through Freiburg at the end of September.
According to The Irish Times prosecutors have said: “Seat belts save lives and the Pope should obey the traffic rules.”
Prosecutors have also reportedly highlighted the death of another road user just after the pontiff’s visit, who died after failing to wear a seat belt.
The plaintiff believes the Pope should face a fine of approximately $3,000 – the maximum possible – because he is a serial offender.
Some experts believe the Pope will avoid prosecution, however, as he should be granted diplomatic immunity as head of the Vatican.