This is how the popemobiles have evolved since their debut in 1930 with the Mercedes-Benz Nürburg 460

In their quest to be as close as possible to their parishioners, the various popes of the Catholic Church have always been very active, traveling the world to interact with their faithful followers. Beginning in 1930, the Vatican began using official automobiles, thanks to a gift from Mercedes-Benz, which created a Pullman limousine based on the Nürburg 460.

This car marked the beginning of a long list of vehicles that have been part of Vatican-organized trips. Popemobiles were modernized in parallel with the evolution of the automotive industry, becoming increasingly larger and more comfortable.

The 1980s were a turning point. The assassination attempt on John Paul II created the need to create popemobiles equipped with the necessary protection to safeguard the safety of their occupants. Thus, armored domes were introduced, an essential security guarantee.

More recently, eco-friendliness has also reached the Vatican's cars, with the appearance, for example, of a hydrogen-powered Toyota Mirai to meet Pope Francis' mobility needs during a trip to Japan. Finally, Mercedes-Benz's latest creation is based on the G-Class, in its 100% electric version.

The Stuttgart-based brand began its fruitful collaboration with the Vatican in the summer of 1930, a collaboration that continues to this day. The first vehicle was a limousine based on the Nürburg 460 model, an elegant car regularly used by Pope Pius XI. The delivery was made by brand officials and, after a stroll through the Vatican Gardens, aroused the admiration of the Supreme Pontiff, who described it as "a masterpiece of modern engineering."

In the 1960s, John XXIII received a 300 Landaulet with automatic transmission and a long wheelbase. His successor, Paul VI, initially used a Pullman Landaulet—as shown in the image—and later a 300 SEL, also a Landaulet. The prototypes of this period had modified bodies and were notable for their extraordinary length and generous rear seat space. They were equipped with a canvas top over the rear compartment and a hard top over the front seats.

Originally created as the official vehicle for French President Valery Giscard d'Estaing, the limousine version of this vehicle served as the popemobile during John Paul II's visit to France in 1980. With an opening roof that allowed the pontiff to greet him standing up, its spaciousness and luxury were its hallmarks, boasting features that were unusual for the time, such as electric windows, air conditioning, and power steering.

Unfortunately, this Italian vehicle is remembered for the assassination attempt on John Paul II's life in May 1981 in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican. This car was initially designed for his enjoyment on adventures off the beaten track. It featured four-wheel drive and a low-speed transfer case. The unit used by the Vatican was fitted with a convertible body, making it easier for the pontiff to move around inside.

It was one of the first cars used by the Vatican after the attack, already equipped with a protective dome. The Vatican brand produced a modified 460 G-series model, equipped with significantly higher levels of security and protection. This G-series extended its presence as a popemobile for many years, including a G500 recently used by Benedict XVI and Francis.

John Paul II's visit to Spain was immersed in a turbulent political and social context, with the ETA conflict and the coup d'état in the spotlight. Furthermore, the Pope had just suffered an assassination attempt the previous year. The vehicle planned for the trip was a Range Rover, but it couldn't fit through some entrances to some buildings, and an emergency solution had to be found. In the end, a modified Seat Panda with a folding windshield and a barely 40-hp engine was used.

The evolution of the Mercedes-Benz popemobiles was primarily based on the G-Class models. However, other vehicles were also used, most notably the M-Class, in which Benedict XVI and Francis traveled. Equipped with a rechargeable lithium battery, it was the first hybrid car intended for these occasions and had a top speed of 30 km/h. It was notable for its large dome with armored glass, a detail that facilitated access to the cabin.

The Japanese brand delivered a hydrogen-powered Mirai Popemobile to Pope Francis, powered by a 155 hp electric engine and fuel cell. Adapted to his mobility needs during his visit to Japan in November 2019, it was 5.1 m long and 2.7 m high, including the roof. These dimensions allowed the Pope to greet the Pope standing and comfortably during his journeys in Japan.

This is the new model created by Mercedes for the Vatican , with a unique feature: it's the first 100% electric popemobile in history. A centrally located individual seat, height-adjustable and rotatable, has been installed in the rear. The roof on the B-pillar has been removed and replaced with a separate hardtop. The electric propulsion system was adapted by the Graz team, and, as with other popemobiles, the chosen color was pearl white.