Vatican displays a century of Mercedes-Benz popemobiles
An exhibition at the Vatican presents vehicles made by German carmaker Mercedes-Benz for popes from 1930 to the present day. It runs until 31 January 2027.
The Vatican has opened an exhibition, "A Century of the Popemobile", showing the vehicles that German carmaker Mercedes-Benz built for popes over the past hundred years. It runs until 31 January 2027.
The display ranges from an opulent 1930 limousine to modern models designed to bring the pontiff closer to crowds while keeping him safe. Other manufacturers have also supplied vehicles to popes, but this show focuses solely on Mercedes-Benz.
From limousine to popemobile
The oldest exhibit is a Nürburg 460, presented to Pope Pius XI on 23 May 1930. It features a luxurious armchair upholstered in raspberry-coloured silk brocade. The 300 d Landaulet built in 1960 for John XXIII had removable rear side windows, making it easier for him to interact with crowds.
Five years later, the 600 Pullman Landaulet added a raised roof and folding soft top, allowing Paul VI to stand and greet pilgrims more directly.
The modern popemobile took shape in 1980, when Mercedes-Benz developed the 230 G for John Paul II's visit to Germany. Its tall transparent enclosure protected the pontiff while keeping him visible to the public.
Security and electrification
Later models, including the 2002 ML 430 and the 2012 ML 500, reflect the continuing evolution of papal transport, with security features such as thick bulletproof glass. The Vatican's relationship with Mercedes-Benz has also entered the electric era: a modified G 580 became its first fully electric popemobile in 2024.
Vatican Museums director Barbara Jatta says the exhibition aims to showcase a century of papal journeys.
