VATICAN CITY – The Vatican is celebrating the popemobile, a vehicle that has become iconic for its role in allowing popes to connect with people across the globe for nearly a century.
On Wednesday, the Vatican Museums gave a sneak peek of their new exhibition titled “A Century of the Popemobile,” showcasing eight unique Mercedes-Benz vehicles that have been used by popes since 1930. This exhibit officially opens to the public on Thursday.
In a separate event, Pope Leo XIV, who has a passion for cars, met with executives from Mercedes-Benz to express his gratitude for their collaboration with the Holy See. He noted how advancements in automobile technology have paralleled the evolution of papal travel.
“Over the decades, the popemobile has evolved from a means of transportation into an instrument of encounter, enabling the pontiff to draw closer to the faithful during pastoral visits and public celebrations,” said Leo. “In this way, your work has helped facilitate the church’s mission of reaching out to people and bringing a message of faith, hope, and charity to the world.”
The oldest vehicle in the exhibition is a Mercedes-Benz Nürburg 460, which was gifted to Pope Pius XI on May 23, 1930. This luxurious car was fitted with a silk brocade armchair and exquisite wood and metal finishes, specifically designed for papal use.
“It was specifically built, designed, and prepared for papal use, so much so that just by comparing it, you can see how it transitions from the serial to the unique,” explained Sandro Barbagallo, curator of the Historical Collections Department at the Vatican Museums.
Barbagallo emphasized that these cars were created to allow the pope to be seen and to see others safely and comfortably.
Later models of the popemobile were designed to meet the evolving needs of popes on the move, especially their desire to interact with the public. For instance, in 1960, Pope John XXIII received the 300 d Landaulet, which featured removable rear side windows, allowing him to greet people during his travels.
In 1980, a significant advancement came with the introduction of the 230 G popemobile for St. John Paul II’s visit to Germany. It included a tall, transparent dome in the back to ensure both safety and visibility for the millions of people eager to see him.
Pope Leo XIV also reminisced about the electric popemobile gifted to Pope Francis, which aligns with the Argentine pope’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
“In this spirit, I encourage you to continue placing technological innovation at the service of human dignity, care for creation, and the common good,” Leo urged the Mercedes-Benz team.
___
Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
