Eight Mercedes cars used by popes are on display at the Vatican
An exhibition entitled “A Century of the Popemobile” has opened at the Vatican Museums, presenting eight Mercedes-Benz cars used by the popes of Rome at different times. The oldest car on display was presented to Pope Pius XI on May 23, 1930. The Mercedes-Benz Nürburg 460 had a luxurious armchair with silk upholstery, as well as parts made of wood and metal.
Over the years the cars have been modified, taking into account the security of the popes and the need to communicate with the faithful. On the car presented to Pope John XXIII in 1960, the rear side windows could be removed so that he could greet the people gathered along the road.
The exhibition also presents the electric “popemobile” presented to Pope Francis. Pope Leo XIV of Rome, meeting with the leaders of Mercedes-Benz, called for continuing to use technological innovations for human dignity, the preservation of nature and public welfare.
