Pope's Vehicle Unveiled: Cost, Models, Features – Unraveling the Mystery Behind the Pontiff's Car
The Pope's tricked-out ride, recognized instantly, is a vital component of the Vatican's iconic appearance. Let's take a peek at the history of these essential vehicles.
© Grzegorz Galazka/Archivio Grzegorz Galazka/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images Written by Alan Calvez General News Journalist, our site. Published on , last modified on
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Few vehicles bear their owner's name, but the popemobile is one of them. Donned in white, it bears the Vatican's coat of arms, and its recognizable "SCV 1" (State of Vatican City 1) license plate. Over the years, this storied vehicle has adapted to modern times, as seen in December, when the late Pope Francis received a brand-spanking-new electric popemobile from Mercedes. Fitted with four electric motors and a customized interior, the vehicle boasts a single central seat that rotates and adjusts, making it easier for the Pope to address the public. There's also seating for two more followers. The exterior features a removable roof that can be kept open for good weather, and the price? Well, let's just say it's on the pricier side, with a bargain-basement starting price of around 176,251 euros for a regular Mercedes G580 with EQ AMG Line.
© Alessia Giuliani - Catholic Press via Vatican Pool/Getty Images## Cruising with the Pope: A Long and Interesting History
This recent electric popemobile is far from the first. For nearly a century, Mercedes-Benz has been designing motorized vehicles meant for the Pope's travels and public appearances. The first Mercedes crafted for this purpose dates back to 1930, presented to Pope Pius XI. This work of art and historical relic has also served as a billboard for brands.
It was in 1976 that the Vatican made a significant change with the arrival of the first vehicle intentionally designed for the Pope, now commonly known as the popemobile. Though the Vatican Museum notes the term "popemobile" wasn't yet in use at the time, Pope Paul VI was the first Pope to make use of it for his occasional travels. His successor, John Paul I, declined to adopt it, preferring tradition. It wasn't until 1979, under the pontificate of John Paul II, that the popemobile became a constant presence during papal journeys, replacing the sedia gestatoria. Originally, these vehicles featured open roofs, providing direct contact with the faithful, but that changed after an assassination attempt on John Paul II in 1981. As a result, the popemobile has since appeared in armored versions.
Difficult to imagine a popemobile without an Italian touch. In 1980, during his visit to Turin, John Paul II was presented a new Campagnola by Fiat, which he used as a popemobile for a year. The Italian manufacturer is also a favorite of Pope Francis, who used a Fiat 500 during his 2023 visit to Phoenicia. A versatile vehicle that accommodates the Pope's international itinerary. During his 2019 visit to Japan, the Pope traveled in two custom-made Toyota Mirai, one of which was gifted by the Japanese manufacturer.
Mercedes isn't the only manufacturer to have offered a popemobile. In 2012, Renault introduced the first electric popemobile to Benedict XVI: a white Kangoo adorned with the Holy See's arms, intended for walks in the gardens of the summer residence of Castel Gandolfo.
Pope Francis isn't big on luxury. As an article in the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera revealed in 2023, the Holy Father prefers modest cars over high-end automobiles. In 2017, the popular car manufacturer Lamborghini offered him an exquisite Huracan, auctioned off the following year for 715,000 euros, with the proceeds donated to charities.
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- The history of the integral part of the Pope's lifestyle, commonly known as the popemobile, dates back to 1930 when it was first presented to Pope Pius XI, symbolizing the first collaboration between the Vatican and the automotive industry.
- In line with the Vatican's efforts to promote a green lifestyle and home-and-garden, the popemobile has also ventured into electric vehicles, such as the brand-new electric popemobile received by Pope Francis from Mercedes in December.
- The imagery of the popemobile, synonymous with the Vatican's iconic appearance, has been adapted to modern times, incorporating electric power and integrating it within the Vatican's home-and-garden and lifestyle.
- While luxury cars are often associated with the popemobile, Pope Francis, known for his preferences for modest living, has been seen in versatile vehicles like a Fiat 500 during his visit to Phoenicia and Toyota Mirai in Japan, reflecting his affinity for everyday cars and electric vehicles.
- Despite the offer of high-end luxury cars from brands like Lamborghini, Pope Francis has shown a preference for more affordable cars in alignment with his lifestyle and message of simplicity, demonstrating that luxury is far from the popemobile's core essence.
