Vatican Unveils Popemobile's Century of Service

A new exhibition at the Vatican Museums, "A Century of the Popemobile," officially opened to the public on October 30, 2026. The display features eight Mercedes-Benz models that have served popes since 1930, commemorating the enduring relationship between the Holy See and automotive innovation.

Pope Leo XIV recently met with Mercedes-Benz executives, acknowledging their significant partnership. He noted the popemobile's transformation from a mere mode of transport into a vital tool for connecting with believers, facilitating pastoral visits and public events worldwide. This evolution underscores the church's mission to reach people with messages of faith, hope, and charity.

The exhibition traces this evolution through iconic vehicles. The oldest, a 1930 Mercedes-Benz Nürburg 460 for Pope Pius XI, featured a luxurious armchair. Later models, like Pope John XXIII's 1960 300 d Landaulet and Pope John Paul II's 1980 230 G with its transparent dome, reflected changing needs for visibility, safety, and close interaction with the faithful.

Reflecting on modern concerns, Pope Leo XIV also mentioned the electric popemobile presented to Pope Francis, aligning with ecological priorities. He encouraged continued technological advancement in service of human dignity, environmental care, and the common good, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to innovation.