The Vatican Museums have launched a new exhibition celebrating the history of the popemobile, the iconic vehicle that has enabled popes to connect with the faithful for nearly a century. The exhibition, titled “A Century of the Popemobile,” offers a look at eight Mercedes-Benz vehicles that have been utilized by the papacy since 1930. The display officially opened to the public on Thursday, following a preview event held on Wednesday.
Pope Leo XIV, who is known as a car enthusiast, met with senior Mercedes-Benz executives to express his gratitude for the long-standing partnership with the Holy See. During the meeting, the Chicago-born pontiff remarked on how automotive advancements have mirrored 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,” Leo said. “In this way, your work has helped facilitate the church’s mission of reaching out to people and bringing a message of faith, of hope and of charity to the world.”
The oldest vehicle in the collection is a Mercedes-Benz Nürburg 460, presented to Pope Pius XI on May 23, 1930. This historic car features a luxurious armchair finished in silk brocade, accented by fine metal and wood detailing. Sandro Barbagallo, curator of the Historical Collections Department at the Vatican Museums, noted that the vehicle was specifically designed for the pope, marking a transition from standard models to unique, customized transport. He explained that these vehicles were crafted to ensure the pope remained visible while maintaining safety and comfort.
Later models on display illustrate how the popemobile adapted to the changing needs of the pontiff. For instance, the 300 d Landaulet presented to Pope John XXIII in 1960 featured removable rear side windows, allowing the pope to reach out to those he encountered. By 1980, the 230 G model used during St. John Paul II’s visit to Germany introduced a prominent transparent dome at the rear, designed to provide safety while ensuring the pope could be clearly seen by large crowds. Reflecting on the future of this partnership, Pope Leo XIV encouraged the company to continue its focus on technological innovation, specifically mentioning the electric popemobile presented to Pope Francis as a testament to ecological priorities and the common good.
