Vatican Exhibition Celebrates 'A Century of the Popemobile'

The Vatican is honoring the popemobile, the iconic vehicle that has allowed popes to connect with the faithful for nearly a century, with a new exhibition.

The Vatican Museums unveiled a preview of "A Century of the Popemobile" on Wednesday, featuring eight Mercedes-Benz models that have been used by pontiffs since 1930. The exhibition officially opens to the public on Thursday.

Pope Leo XIV, described as a car enthusiast, met with executives from Mercedes-Benz to acknowledge their partnership with the Holy See. He noted that advancements in automotive 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," Leo stated. "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 earliest vehicle in the exhibition, presented to Pope Pius XI on May 23, 1930, was a Mercedes-Benz Nürburg 460. This model featured a custom armchair upholstered in silk brocade and was adorned with fine wood and metal finishes.

"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," said Sandro Barbagallo, curator of the Historical Collections Department at the Vatican Museums. "From this point, it is clear how all the cars were then made, precisely to allow the pope to be seen, but to be seen and to see in total safety and, I would even say, comfort."

Later iterations of the popemobile displayed in the exhibition reflect the changing requirements for papal transport, particularly the need for popes to interact with and bless the public.

In 1960, Pope John XXIII received a 300 d Landaulet, which included removable rear side windows, a design element that facilitated greater interaction between the pontiff and those he met. A significant innovation arrived in 1980 with the 230 G, developed for St. John Paul II's visit to Germany. This model featured a tall, transparent dome at the rear, enhancing safety while ensuring clear visibility for large crowds.

Pope Leo XIV also referenced the electric popemobile presented to Pope Francis, aligning with the former pontiff's focus on ecological matters. "In this spirit, I encourage you to continue placing technological innovation at the service of human dignity, care for creation and the common good," he told the Mercedes-Benz representatives.