Vatican Unveils Century of Popemobiles in New Museum Exhibit
The display features eight Mercedes-Benz models, including the 1930 vehicle gifted to Pope Pius XI, ahead of a public opening on Thursday.
By Hassan Okoye ·
The Vatican Museums opened a preview of a new exhibition on Wednesday dedicated to the history of the papal automobile. The display, titled “A Century of the Popemobile,” will officially open to the public on Thursday.
The exhibit showcases eight Mercedes-Benz vehicles that have served popes since 1930. The oldest model on display is the Nürburg 460, which was presented to Pope Pius XI on May 23, 1930. This specific vehicle featured a silk brocade armchair and fine wood and metal finishes.
Sandro Barbagallo, curator of the Historical Collections Department at the Vatican Museums, described the 1930 car as a transition from a serial production model to a unique object built specifically for papal use. He noted that the design prioritized allowing the pope to be seen while ensuring safety and comfort.
Subsequent models in the collection reflect the evolving requirements of papal travel. The 300 d Landaulet presented to Pope John XXIII in 1960 included removable rear side windows, a feature that allowed the pontiff to interact directly with people along his route. In 1980, Mercedes-Benz provided St. John Paul II with a 230 G for his visit to Germany. This vehicle introduced a tall, transparent rear dome that offered protection while providing clear visibility for the large crowds gathered to see the pope.
Pope Leo XIV met with senior Mercedes-Benz executives on Wednesday to discuss the partnership between the automotive company and the Holy See. The Chicago-born pontiff acknowledged the role of technological advances in shaping the evolution of papal travel over the last century.
In his remarks, Leo stated that the popemobile has transformed from a simple mode of transport into an instrument of encounter. He said the vehicles enable the pope to draw closer to the faithful during public celebrations and pastoral visits, facilitating the church's mission to spread messages of faith, hope, and charity.
Leo also referenced the electric popemobile presented to Pope Francis, aligning the vehicle's development with the late Argentine pope's ecological priorities. He encouraged the executives to continue using technological innovation to serve human dignity and care for creation.
