Symbolic vehicle of the Vatican, the popemobile has evolved over nearly a century, combining tradition, technology, and safety
On Easter Sunday, in front of thousands of faithful gathered at the Vatican, Pope Francis waved from inside his electric popemobile — the latest chapter in the long history of this iconic vehicle. The next day, on April 21, he passed away at the age of 88, after health complications that included bilateral pneumonia, a stroke, and heart failure.
Francis spent much of the last few months hospitalized at the Gemelli University Hospital in Rome. Recognized as one of the great reformers of the Catholic Church, the pontiff was also the last to use the popemobile in a public appearance.
The concept of the popemobile began in 1929 when Pope Pius XI received a Graham-Paige Type 837 — one of the first cars adapted for the pope. Since then, brands like Mercedes-Benz, Fiat, Jeep, and Cadillac have developed customized versions of the vehicle, each focused on safety, accessibility, and visibility.
Today, the official model is based on the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, an SUV adapted with three rear seats, one of which is elevated and rotating, especially for the pope. Instead of a traditional trunk, the car features an access ladder. In adverse weather conditions, a glassed-in canopy ensures visibility and protection.
The latest popemobile, fully electric, was delivered to the Vatican in December 2024. Mercedes-Benz, responsible for the current model, has not commented on the matter yet.
Source and images: UsaToday / Mercedes Benz Group/ Disclosure. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
