Vatican celebrates Century of popemobiles with historic display

“A Century of the Popemobile,” housed in a glass pavilion within the Vatican Museums’ Giardino Quadrato, opened this week and features Mercedes-Benz models used by popes since 1930.

Pope Leo XIV acknowledged the evolution of the popemobile, noting its transformation from simple transportation to a tool for connection. “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,” he said.

The exhibit, running until January, highlights vehicles exclusively from Mercedes-Benz, which has been the primary supplier. Barbara Jatta, director of the Vatican Museums, emphasized the vehicles’ role in dialog and blessing.

Among the displayed vehicles is a 1930 black Nürburg 460 limousine, the first official popemobile gifted to Pope Pius XI, who served from 1922 to 1939. Curator Sandro Barbagallo explained its unique construction, designed for both visibility and safety.

Prior to 1930, popes utilized horse-drawn carriages and gestatorial chairs. The term “popemobile” originated during Pope Paul VI’s 1965 visit to New York, where he used a custom Lincoln Continental.

The exhibition also includes Pope John XXIII’s 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 d Landaulet, which introduced removable rear windows, and the 1965 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Landaulet, featuring a raised roof and folding top. A 1980 Mercedes-Benz 230 G, built for Pope John Paul II’s visit to Germany, with a Plexiglas dome, is also on display.

Pope Leo also addressed the 2024 presentation of the first electric popemobile to Pope Francis, encouraging continued technological innovation for human dignity and environmental care.