Why the Pope Has a Special Car

The pope uses a customized vehicle—popularly known as the “popemobile”—to move safely and visibly through large crowds during public events. It combines security features, elevated visibility, accessibility for a pontiff who often meets people up close, and logistical reliability across diverse settings. While it’s often referred to as a single car, in practice it’s a set of purpose-built or locally supplied vehicles adapted to each trip and security context.

What the Popemobile Is—and What It Does

The popemobile is a specially adapted vehicle designed to let the pope greet people at close range while maintaining a prudent level of protection. It typically features an elevated standing or seated platform, handrails, slow-speed maneuverability for processions, and—when needed—an enclosed, bullet-resistant glass canopy. The license plate “SCV 1” (Stato della Città del Vaticano 1) traditionally denotes the papal vehicle in the Vatican fleet. Outside of major public events, recent popes, especially Francis, often ride in modest, conventional cars for transfers or daily use, reflecting an emphasis on simplicity and environmental stewardship.

Why the Papal Vehicle Is Special

Several overlapping needs shaped the popemobile’s form and function. These considerations reflect the unique mix of pastoral outreach, global travel, and high-profile public appearances that define the modern papacy.

• Security: After the 1981 assassination attempt on John Paul II in St. Peter’s Square, the Vatican introduced vehicles with bullet-resistant glass, reinforced structures, and secure communications. The car is one layer within a broader protection system coordinated by the Vatican Gendarmerie, the Swiss Guard, and local authorities.
• Visibility and engagement: The pope stands or sits on an elevated platform so crowds can see him, and he can see them. Transparent canopies and, when conditions allow, open-top configurations help maintain the traditional closeness between the pontiff and the faithful.
• Accessibility and comfort: Modern setups accommodate long public events, provide climate control, and include steps or lifts—important as Pope Francis often uses a wheelchair—so the pope can embark and disembark efficiently.
• Liturgical and ceremonial needs: The vehicle’s rails, lighting, and space enable blessings, greetings, and liturgical gestures during processions and at stadium-scale Masses.
• Logistics and reliability: Host countries frequently supply vehicles adapted to local roads and conditions, from tight urban routes to rougher terrain, with features like a tight turning radius, elevated ride height, and redundant systems. The platforms are designed to be airlifted and assembled quickly.
• Diplomatic and symbolic considerations: The papal car is a moving symbol of the papacy and the host nation’s welcome. Vehicles are often donated or loaned, showcasing local industry. Under Francis, choices increasingly reflect environmental priorities, including hybrid, electric, and even hydrogen-based models where feasible.

Together, these factors allow the pope to remain physically present among people while mitigating risk and meeting the demands of fast-moving international travel.

How the Design Evolved

The popemobile’s evolution tracks changes in public security, media, and papal outreach. Earlier popes traveled in ceremonial chairs and large sedans; modern pontiffs navigate mass events, global media coverage, and contemporary threat landscapes.

1. Before the late 20th century: Processions often used the sedia gestatoria (a ceremonial chair) and landaulet-style limousines, such as the 1930s Graham-Paige and later the Mercedes 600 landaulet, to provide visibility.
2. 1981 watershed: The attempt on John Paul II’s life prompted swift adoption of armored, glass-enclosed vehicles for higher-risk appearances, inaugurating the modern popemobile era.
3. 1990s–2000s standardization: Mercedes-Benz developed a series of G-Class and M-Class-based popemobiles with reinforced platforms and bullet-resistant canopies, widely used by John Paul II and Benedict XVI.
4. 2013–present (Francis): Emphasizing simplicity and proximity, Francis often opts for open vehicles when security allows and for modest daily cars. The Vatican is also shifting its fleet toward lower emissions, incorporating electric models and experimenting with zero-emission popemobiles.

The result is a flexible toolkit: enclosed when risk is elevated or weather is poor, open when closeness is prioritized.

Not Just One Car: Examples From Recent Trips and Use

The papal motorcade varies by country, event, and security assessment. Host nations commonly provide vehicles that meet Vatican specifications, sometimes as gifts, sometimes as temporary conversions.

• United States (2015): A modified Jeep Wrangler served as the popemobile in Washington, New York, and Philadelphia, with open sides and a protective front screen for slow processions.
• Japan (2019): Toyota supplied two Mirai-based, hydrogen fuel cell popemobiles with an open rear platform and clear canopy, underscoring environmental messaging.
• United Arab Emirates (2019): A custom Nissan Patrol-based popemobile was used for the historic Mass in Abu Dhabi, adapted for stadium-scale crowds.
• Philippines (2015): An Isuzu D-Max-based open popemobile navigated massive crowds and tropical rain during Manila events.
• Vatican/Europe (2000s–2020s): Armored Mercedes-Benz G-Class and M-Class popemobiles bearing “SCV 1” have been staples for St. Peter’s Square and international travel.
• Vatican fleet (2023–2024): As part of a plan to decarbonize by 2030, the Vatican began integrating electric vehicles—such as Volkswagen ID.3 and ID.4—into its motor pool; Francis also uses modest cars (e.g., a donated Dacia Duster in 2019) for routine, non-ceremonial movement.

These examples show a consistent principle: the papal vehicle adapts to local conditions and messaging goals while preserving security and visibility.

How Security Decisions Are Made

Security posture—open-top or enclosed, route design, speed, and crowd proximity—stems from joint assessments by the Vatican Gendarmerie, the Swiss Guard, and host-country services. The vehicle is only one component in a layered approach that includes route screening, crowd control, medical support, and contingency plans for rapid egress.

Common Misconceptions

The popemobile isn’t always armored; Francis frequently uses open vehicles when risk is deemed manageable. Nor is there a single permanent car: multiple platforms exist, many provided by host nations for specific trips. Despite its visibility, the vehicle is not about luxury—it is a practical, symbolic tool to keep the pope near the people while managing contemporary security and logistical demands.

Bottom Line

The pope has a special car to reconcile two priorities that might otherwise conflict: being physically close to people and staying safe in vast, unpredictable public settings. The popemobile’s evolving designs—ranging from open platforms to bullet-resistant enclosures, and increasingly low- or zero-emission powertrains—allow the papacy to remain present, pastoral, and mobile across the world.

Summary

The popemobile exists to provide safety, visibility, accessibility, and reliability for the pope during public appearances and global travel. Its form has evolved since the 1981 attempt on John Paul II, now spanning armored and open variants tailored to each event. Modern choices also reflect Francis’s emphasis on simplicity and environmental responsibility, with host nations often supplying models suited to local conditions.

Why does the pope have a bulletproof car?

The pope rides in a bulletproof vehicle, known as the Popemobile, for security reasons, particularly after the 1981 assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II which led to the introduction of a bulletproof glass cage to protect him from harm while remaining visible to the public. While the Popemobile’s design allows for the Pope to be seen by crowds, it also provides necessary protection against potential threats, with later models incorporating reinforced steel plating and airtight features.
 
Key reasons for the bulletproof vehicle:

• Assassination attempt: The most significant event that led to the widespread use of bulletproof glass was the 1981 assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II, where he was shot and seriously wounded. 
• Protection from crowds: The Popemobile is designed to protect the Pope as he is driven through large public gatherings. The vehicle is not built for speed, but to stand in place and offer protection. 
• Enhanced security features: Modern Popemobiles feature advanced armor, including reinforced steel plating and bulletproof glass walls. Some models are even equipped with airtight cabins and oxygen supplies for protection against chemical attacks. 
• Balancing visibility and safety: The vehicles are custom-built to allow the Pope to be seen and greet the public while still maintaining a secure and protected environment. 

Evolution of the Popemobile:

• Historical context: For centuries, popes were carried on the shoulders of their faithful. The first automobiles designed to transport the pope appeared in the early 20th century. 
• Post-1981 changes: After the assassination attempt on John Paul II, a reinforced Plexiglas screen became a standard feature, protecting him from light handgun shots. 
• Modern advancements: The vehicles have evolved from simple open cars to custom-built SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, incorporating higher levels of protection and specialized features. 

Why does the pope have a Lamborghini?

In 2017, Pope Francis received a Lamborghini Huracán, a gift he promptly decided to auction for charity. The supercar, painted in Vatican colors, fetched $950,000. The proceeds were allocated to rebuilding war-torn communities in Iraq, combating human trafficking, and supporting medical and missionary work in Africa.

Why does the pope have a car?

The popemobile (Latin: papacinetum or papocinetum; Italian: papamobile) is a specially designed motor vehicle used by the pope for public appearances. It is the successor to the sedia gestatoria (portable throne) and is designed to make the pope more visible when greeting large crowds.

How much does the popemobile cost?

The cost of the Popemobile varies depending on the model and its purpose, with estimates for the current all-electric Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon Popemobile at around $500,000. Older models or specialized versions have had different price points, such as a Fiat 500 used by Pope Francis that sold for $300,000 at auction, and a 2011 model that cost approximately £345,000. 
Recent and Current Models

• Mercedes-Benz Electric G-Wagon: The latest vehicle, an all-electric Mercedes G-Wagon, has an estimated cost of about $500,000, according to Yahoo! Autos and other sources. 
• Earlier Models: The cost of popemobiles has been inconsistent, with older versions costing less or being more luxurious. 

Factors influencing cost

• Manufacturer: The vehicle type varies, with Mercedes-Benz being the most common, but also including other manufacturers like Hyundai and Fisker, as well as specialized vehicles such as a Lamborgini. 
• Customization: The vehicles are heavily modified for security and public use, which increases the cost of the base model. 
• Purpose: Popemobiles can be for public appearances or for a more secure private environment, which impacts the features included in the vehicle, says CNN. 
• Auction vs. Purchase: Many popemobiles have been auctioned for charity, with prices far exceeding their original cost, according to CNN and Charitybuzz. 

The cost of Popemobiles

• $500,000: This is the estimated cost of the all-electric Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon, a recent model used for public appearances, according to Yahoo! Autos. 
• $300,000: A Fiat 500 used by Pope Francis during his US visit was auctioned for this amount, according to CNN and ABC News. 
• £345,000: The cost for a Popemobile in 2011 was estimated at this amount, according to Wikipedia.