People want to know if Pope Leo XIV will be patriotic and drive a Cadillac or a Tesla

With the election of Pope Leo XIV still fresh on people’s minds, a new question has popped up in the swirl of excitement: what’s the new popemobile going to be?

The popemobile is an unofficial term used to describe the vehicle used by the Pope for public appearances.

Indeed, the popemobile has long been a symbol of the papacy’s style, and is always watched closely.

So, what kind of ride can we expect for Pope Leo XIV?

VISIT SBX CARS – View live supercar auctions powered by Supercar Blondie

Traditionally, the popemobile is a customized vehicle with an open rear that allows the Pope to be seen by the public while on the move.

Bulletproof glass was installed in future popemobiles after the attempted assassination of Pope John Paul II in 1981.

The tradition continued with Pope Benedict XVI, whose most common popemobile was a modified Mercedes-Benz M-Class SUV.

The vehicle boasted bulletproof glass windows and skylights, reinforced armor plating, and even its own oxygen supply.

However, Pope Francis bucked the trend when he took over.

Preferring a simple lifestyle, he often sat at the back of a nondescript Ford Focus within the Vatican.

Sometimes, he even drove himself around the city in a 1984 Renault 4 GTL.

He also famously used more low-key vehicles when overseas, such as the Fiat 500L used for a US visit in 2015.

The car was later auctioned for charity.

In fact, he seems to have a preference for using cars produced by the country he’s visiting.

For example, he used a Kia Soul when visiting South Korea, and a Dacia Duster during his visit to Romania.

So, given that Popes have the freedom to choose their own vehicles, what is the new Pope likely to use?

One obvious answer is that being a US citizen, Pope Leo XIV will be partial to American-made cars.

After all, what better way to show your patriotism than to be seen in a custom Cadillac or a Tesla?

However, there might be other considerations on his mind regarding the papal vehicle.

For one, climate change is on many people’s minds these days, and Pope Leo XIV has been outspoken about the need to fight global warming.

Hence, many people have speculated that an all-electric vehicle seems to be on the cards.

His predecessor, Pope Francis, received the Vatican’s first EV popemobile in December 2024, in the form of a customized Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen.

The normal bench seat was replaced by a centrally positioned and height-adjustable single seat that swivels, allowing the Pope to address an audience from different angles.

The roof was also removed, although there is a separate hardtop that offers protection for occupants in case of rain or bad weather conditions.

Indeed, it’s clear that Popes have long had a soft spot for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

After all, the first ‘official’ popemobile is often considered to be a Mercedes-Benz Nürburg 460 Pullman, given to Pope Pius XI by the German car manufacturer in 1930.

Apart from the G-Wagen mentioned earlier, Mercedes has gifted various Popes over the years with customized vehicles, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see the tradition continue.

Of course, another consideration is that Pope Francis was particularly modest, even for Vatican standards.

He famously traveled in his nondescript Ford Focus, rather than the Lamborghini Huracán that he was gifted.

If Pope Leo XIV is cut from the same cloth, or if he wishes to emulate his predecessor, he might be seen behind the wheel of something equally modest, like a Fiat Panda.

Whatever vehicle Pope Leo XIV ultimately picks, it will definitely make history.

DISCOVER SBX CARS: The global premium car auction platform powered by Supercar Blondie