Mercedes-Benz and the Vatican’s shared history of custom ceremonial vehicles

Among the museum’s most iconic exhibits is the Popemobile—specially designed for Pope John Paul II’s public appearances. This modified Mercedes-Benz G-Class, built in 1980, combines security and visibility, with its bulletproof glass dome and elevated seating. It reflects the brand’s unmatched craftsmanship, even in the service of spiritual figures. Seeing it up close reveals the fascinating intersection of faith, tradition, and German engineering.