Vatican Exhibition Celebrates Evolution of the Popemobile

The Vatican is commemorating nearly a century of the popemobile with a new exhibition at the Vatican Museums. The display, which opened to the public on Thursday, features eight Mercedes-Benz versions of the vehicle that have been used by popes since 1930.

Pope Leo XIV, described as a car enthusiast, met with top executives from Mercedes-Benz to acknowledge their long-standing partnership with the Holy See. During the meeting, he noted how 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 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 exhibition traces the development of the popemobile, starting with the vehicle presented to Pope Pius XI on May 23, 1930. This early model, a Mercedes-Benz Nürburg 460, was custom-designed with a luxurious armchair and fine 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 on display reflect changing papal needs, including the desire to be seen by and interact with the faithful. In 1960, Pope John XXIII received a 300 d Landaulet, which featured removable rear side windows allowing him to extend his reach to those he met. A significant innovation arrived in 1980 for St. John Paul II’s visit to Germany, when Mercedes-Benz developed the 230 G. This model included a tall, transparent dome at the rear, enhancing safety while ensuring a clear view for large crowds.

Recalling a more recent development, Pope Leo XIV mentioned the electric popemobile presented to Pope Francis, aligning with the former pope's environmental concerns. "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 executives.