Thousands of Catholic faithful are looking forward to the start of World Youth Day, an event that will bring Pope Francis to Portugal. One of the elements that always draws attention on these occasions is the official vehicle, commonly nicknamed the ‘Papamobile’. Over the years, several vehicles have been used to travel to various countries, usually with several associated security features to protect the Supreme Pontiff.
In the long list of vehicles used by the Pope, some drew more attention, such as the UMM that in 1991 allowed Pope John Paul II to travel in Madeira, having a special symbolism for the fact that a Pope was seen circulating in Portuguese territory aboard a vehicle manufactured here. John Paul II had a very special connection to Portugal and Fatima, and it is also in connection with the centenary of the apparitions of Fatima to the three little shepherds – and the canonization of Blessed Francisco and Jacinta Marto – that the current Pope Francis travels to our territory.
Currently, the vehicle decreed ‘Papamobile’ is a Mercedes-Benz, but let’s remember some of the most emblematic models that have transported the Popes over the years, including the UMM that transported John Paul II on May 12, 1991. To learn more about the history of this UMM, follow this link to an article already on the Motor24 website.
Mercedes-Benz in the spotlight
The most common models to find themselves at the Pope’s service are from Mercedes-Benz. For over 80 years the German brand has been supplying vehicles for the purpose, starting in 1930 with a Nürburg 460 Pullman for Pope Pius XI, and continuing in the 1960s with the use of a 300d Landaulet with a longer wheelbase and automatic gearbox built for Pope John XXIII.
His successor, Paul VI, used a Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Landaulet and later a 300 SEL, followed by a G-Class and, in 2002, an M-Class, in a version specially designed for Pope Benedict XVI.
SEAT also made Panda ‘Papamobile’
But the history of the ‘Papamobile’ is not only Mercedes-Benz, as several brands have supplied models for the Supreme Pontiff, such as SEAT, which in 1982 produced a Panda Marbella specially modified for John Paul II. This was a model created in just 15 days, with elements such as the roof and windows removed for a more ‘close’ use to his faithful. This Panda Marbella was made almost as an ’emergency’, as the official car was too tall and would not be able to pass the entrances to the Santiago Barnabéu stadium in Madrid and Camp Nou in Barcelona, where two Eucharists were celebrated.
Another model used by the Papal entourage was a Lincoln Continental, which was used by Paul VI on his visit to New York. The model was modified by a company set up by George Lehmann and Bob Peterson in the 1960s and dedicated to ‘stretching’ the Continental. In 1965, they produced the variant that was used by the Holy Father on his trip to the United Nations in New York, on a job commissioned by Ford. It featured a raised seat inside, additional cabin lighting and a dedicated audio system so he could address the people. The roof was removable, and there was also a transparent structure at the rear with additional protection.
Citroën is also linked to the Pope’s vehicles, with the SM Presidentielle, which was based on the 1970-75 SM Coupé, serving as John Paul II’s transport around Paris in 1980.
Far more emblematic was the Fiat Campagnola aboard which Pope John Paul II was riding when he was the target of the first assassination attempt on May 13, 1981 in St. Peter’s Square. The car, full of symbolism, is on display at the Vatican Vehicle Museum.
Known for his willingness to reach out to the people, Pope Francis has relied on a travel policy that sometimes puts armored vehicles aside, forcing his security to work harder. Hyundai models (Santa Fe) and an Isuzu D-Max, which was used on his trip to the Philippines, have already been in his service. In the era of electric and sustainable mobility, the Pope has models such as the Nissan Leaf, which was recently supplied to him, but it is Mercedes-Benz that continues to have the role of official ‘Papamobile’.
Interestingly, the term ‘Papamobile’ was only born in the 1980s in reference to a modified G-Class that Pope John Paul II regularly used for celebrations in St. Peter’s Square.
Scroll through the image gallery above by clicking on the arrows.
