One of the coolest moments in car history involved the Pope and a Ferrari Mondial
- Pope John Paul II visited Ferrari in the late 1980s
- He was seen riding around in a Ferrari Mondial Cabriolet
- The images remain some of the coolest in car history
Published on Apr 22, 2025 at 8:26 PM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Apr 23, 2025 at 4:42 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
The passing of Pope Francis on Easter Monday was a sad occasion for millions all over the globe.
His life had been full of some amazing moments, as were the lives of the Popes before him, such as John Paul II.
In fact, one of the coolest moments in car history took place in the 1980s when Pope John Paul II visited the legendary Ferrari factory in Maranello.
Images of that occasion bring back fond memories for those who were there to witness one of the greatest moments in car history.
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Pope John Paull II visited Ferrari in 1988
The Pope’s visit took place in 1988, when he dropped in to the famous Maranello factory where Ferrari’s supercars are produced.
John Paul II visiting Ferrari itself was already a great occasion.
The marque is almost as important as the Pope in Italy, and the company has a huge following worldwide thanks to its cars and Formula 1 team.
When John Paul II visited anywhere, he normally went around in the Popemobile.
However, during his visit to the Ferrari factory, the Pontiff decided to bypass tradition for a change.
He was photographed going for a ride in a Mondial, which had been waiting for him at the factory.
What made the occasion even better was that this Mondial was a Cabriolet.
Visitors flocked to see John Paul II in a Ferrari
As you would expect, the visit was a hugely popular occasion.
Thousands flocked to see John Paul II at the factory as he had a tour of the iconic Maranello grounds.
But the highlight was the trip in the Mondial, an occasion that many who were there were likely never to forget.
John Paul II could hardly have picked a better car for the job, either.
The Mondial was one of the finest Ferraris of the decade, debuting in 1980 and remaining in production until 1993.
Design work by Pininfarina and bodywork by Carrozzeria Scaglietti ensured the Mondial was a true work of art.
To this day, it remains the last V8, rear mid-engined 2+2 Ferrari ever made.
An historic car, then, for the Pope, an historic passenger, to ride in.
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Henry is a content writer with nearly ten years experience, having written for various publications since 2017. Qualifying with a Sports Journalism degree from Staffordshire University, Henry loves all things automotive but has a particular soft spot for classic Japanese cars and anything Lancia. He also has a curious passion for steam locomotives.
