All heads of state have particular automobiles. Donald Trump will get round with an enormous Cadillac referred to as The Beast, whereas his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin rolls in an enormous Aurus Arsenal.

Nevertheless, folks typically neglect that the Pope can also be a head of state. Particularly, he is the top of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican Metropolis-State, and when he travels he wants a particular car like another chief. As such, his rides aren’t typically regular automobiles, and over time these particular creations have earned the title Popemobile.

Here is a fast take a look at a number of the curious rides utilized by the Pope by way of the years.

1960 Mercedes-Benz 300D

Pope John XXIII’s automobile, it marked the strengthening of ties between the German model and the Vatican, whereas World Conflict II had interrupted ties between Mercedes and the smallest state on the planet.

1964 Lincoln Continental Limousine Popemobile by Lehmann-Peterson

Paul VI first had a Mercedes, particularly a 600 Landaulet, after which obtained a Lincoln Continental Limousine. It was transformed right into a Popemobile by Lehmann Peterson in 1964.

1982 Seat Panda

Within the early Eighties, the Fiat Panda was additionally marketed underneath the Seat emblem, earlier than changing into the Marbella. The Pope was driving a Mercedes G-Class on the time, however a visit to Spain was deliberate and the sizable off-roader was too huge to suit by way of some areas on the journey. As such, a prototype of Seat Panda was requisitioned and swiftly transformed.

1984 Land Rover

In 1981, John Paul II was the sufferer of an tried assault. That led to this attention-grabbing Vary Rover, modified to guard him. Many subsequent Popemobiles would provide comparable safety.

1985 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Within the mid-Eighties, the Vatican as soon as once more used Mercedes sedans like this W126 S-Class because the official automobile for John Paul II.

1986 Renault Espace

The Pope’s go to to Lyon in 1986 was marked by the creation of a French Popemobile, specifically tailored for the event. It’s a Renault Espace with strengthened home windows and low-pressure tires, in order that it will possibly react sharply within the occasion of an assassination try.

1999 Cadillac DeVille

This Cadillac DeVille Parade Phaeton was designed in 1998, particularly for the arrival of John Paul II in the US.

2007 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

The primary Popemobile of the Benedict XVI period, this Mercedes G-Class is a traditional amongst Vatican automobiles.

2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class

Thought-about too uncomfortable, the G-Class was changed by a extra civilized Mercedes ML, and outfitted once more with a glass cabin to guard Pope Francis.

2012 Renault Kangoo ZE

In 2012, Renault cast new ties with the Pope and provided him a 100-percent electrical Popemobile, a Kangoo Z.E, which he used for his journeys round his summer time residence in Castel Gandolfo.

2024 Mercedes-Benz G 580 EQ

Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius introduced a brand new electrical Popemobile to Pope Francis in December 2024. The modified G does not simply have a raised roof for the Pontiff to face. The electrical powertrain has been modified particularly for driving at very sluggish speeds. Presumably, meaning it will possibly’t rip a tank flip.