For over 80 years, Mercedes-Benz has been chosen to accompany the official visits of the popes in history. The newly elected Pope Francis may also choose a car from the “three-pointed star” brand.
>> What car does the Pope drive?
>> Pope Benedict XVI was given a “green” car
The first Mercedes-Benz car that a Pope used was the Nuerburg 460 Pullman Saloon, which was for Pope Pius XI in 1930.
Nuerburg 460 Pullman Saloon
Then, in the 1960s, Pope John XXIII used the 300D Laudelet, based on the frame of a cabriolet with an automatic transmission.
Pope John XXIII on the Mercedes-Benz 300 D landaulet
After that, Pope Paul VI used the Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Landaulet and then the 300 SEL.
Pope Paul VI on the Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Landaulet
Pope Paul VI travel in the Mercedes-Benz 300 D landaulet
From the 1980s, Pope John Paul II used a specially designed “Popemobile” – based on the original G-Class – for processions in St. Peter’s Square.
Pope John Paul II on the “Popemobile” – based on the original G-Class
And since 2002, most popes have used this G-Class “Popemobile” of the predecessor, and that is also the car that Pope Benedict XVI is still using today.
Pope Benedict XVI resigned and received a “Popemobile”
Not long ago, Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, personally visited the Vatican to deliver the specially designed Mercedes-Benz M-Class for the former Pope Benedict XVI with a very special body.
Finally, although regarded by the faithful as a very down-to-earth, simple and approachable person, due to the regular participation in important ceremonies, the new Pope Francis may still choose (or be given) a car with the logo of the luxury car brand Mercedes-Benz.
Thu Ha (TTTĐ)
