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The papal cars are specially designed to make him easily recognizable when greeting crowds.
On Easter Sunday (April 20), Pope Francis waved and blessed thousands of visitors to the Vatican from a specially designed all-electric Mercedes G580. The following day, the Pope passed away at the Casa Santa Marta, at the age of 88.
Pope Francis is not the first Pope to ride in a "popemobile", a special vehicle with high seating or high protection, designed with the main purpose of transporting the head of the Vatican when he visits the public.
Popemobiles are produced by different brands. Over time, the design, function and brand of the popemobile change to suit specific circumstances.
The current Popemobile is based on the all-electric Mercedes G-Class. It is equipped with 4 motors on 4 wheels, with a capacity of 579 horsepower and a torque of 1,163 Nm, adjusted to optimize low-speed travel. The rear seats are replaced with single seats that can rotate or adjust in height, so that the Pope can direct himself to the parishioners from all sides.
There are also two auxiliary seats behind the main seat for other passengers. The roof is removed from the B-pillar back, the B-pillar body is rounded to create a harmonious overall look. In case of rain, the car can be fitted with a hardtop. The left door is removed, the right door has its hinges reversed, creating a reverse-opening door mechanism.
In addition to the pure electric G-Class, gasoline-powered G-Class models are also the vehicles chosen by many popes. In 1980, Pope John Paul II used a Mercedes 230G with transparent plastic panels on the back seats as his means of transportation, but these panels were later replaced with bulletproof glass after an assassination attempt.
In addition, Mercedes also "tailored" the G500 model for Pope Benedict XVI in 2007, with a convertible top, foldable windshield, and the ability to add a transparent roof when weather conditions are unfavorable.
In addition, Pope Francis has used popemobile models from brands such as Jeep, Toyota, Isuzu, Kia, Hyundai and Land Rover. The first popemobile since his inauguration was a 2012 Mercedes M-Class, previously assigned to Pope Benedict XVI. The rear seats were cut, replaced with a transparent roof and surrounded by glass, with single seats inside.
Another car that has accompanied Pope Francis to St. Peter's Square is a Hyundai Santa Fe, with the back seats removed and replaced with crossbars to provide a firm grip when the Pope stands. Pope Francis used this car in 2015.
Pope Francis has used different car brands on his trips to other countries. During his 2014 trip to South Korea, he used a modified Kia Sedona with a modified rear roof, and a stock Kia Soul when making public appearances.
In early 2015 in the Philippines, he used a "jeepney" designed by ECTK Solutions. In addition, on this trip, he also used an Isuzu D-Max pickup truck, equipped with leather seats and rain shields.
During his late 2015 trip to the United States, Pope Francis used a converted Jeep Wrangler, the same vehicle he used in Ecuador in 2015. The vehicle has a protective roof, but opens on both sides so he can greet the faithful.
