The Vatican has opened a new popemobile exhibition at the Vatican Museums, showcasing eight Mercedes-Benz vehicles that have transported popes since 1930 and tracing how papal travel has evolved over nearly a century.
Titled “A Century of the Popemobile,” the exhibition explores the history of vehicles used by the heads of the Catholic Church, from the early automobiles of Pope Pius XI to more modern designs created to help popes meet and interact with the faithful during public appearances and pastoral visits.
The exhibition also highlights the changing role of the popemobile. What began as a means of transportation has developed into a specially designed vehicle that allows the pope to remain visible and accessible to large crowds while providing a degree of protection during public events.
Pope Leo XIV marked the exhibition’s launch with a meeting with senior Mercedes-Benz executives, thanking the company for its longstanding relationship with the Holy See. He reflected on how developments in automotive technology have influenced papal travel and emphasized the popemobile’s role in bringing the pope closer to people during visits and public celebrations.
The oldest vehicle on display is a Mercedes-Benz Nurburg 460, presented to Pope Pius XI on May 23, 1930. Its interior included a silk brocade armchair, complemented by carefully finished wood and metal details. The car illustrates the craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into creating a vehicle specifically for the pope.
According to Sandro Barbagallo, curator of the Historical Collections Department at the Vatican Museums, the vehicle marked an important step in the development of papal transportation. Rather than simply using a standard production car, Mercedes-Benz created a vehicle tailored to the needs of the pontiff.
The collection also includes vehicles associated with later popes, showing how the design of the popemobile changed to meet the practical demands of public appearances. A Mercedes-Benz 300 d Landaulet, presented to Pope John XXIII in 1960, featured removable rear side windows that allowed him to reach out more easily to people along his route.
Another significant vehicle is the Mercedes-Benz 230 G, developed for Pope John Paul II’s visit to Germany in 1980. It introduced a tall, transparent rear dome that offered protection while allowing crowds to see the pope. The design reflected the challenge of balancing security with the desire for direct contact between the pontiff and the faithful, particularly during events attended by large numbers of people.
The exhibition also looks towards the future of papal transportation. Pope Leo XIV referred to the electric popemobile previously presented to Pope Francis, highlighting the Church’s interest in technological developments that support environmental responsibility.
In his remarks to the Mercedes-Benz executives, Leo XIV encouraged the company to ensure that future innovations remain guided by respect for human dignity, care for creation and the common good. His comments placed the history of papal vehicles within a broader discussion about how technology can serve people and society.
By bringing together vehicles from different periods, “A Century of the Popemobile” documents more than changes in automotive design. It offers a view of how the practical needs of the papacy, public expectations and advances in vehicle technology have shaped the way popes travel and meet people around the world.
