Pope thanks Mercedes-Benz executives for longstanding partnership with Holy See

October 29, 2026

As the Vatican Museums opened an exhibition entitled “A Century of the Popemobile,” Pope Leo XIV thanked Mercedes-Benz executives for the company’s longstanding partnership with the Holy See.

“This longstanding relationship began in 1930, when Pope Pius XI received the first Mercedes-Benz automobile, and has continued through successive pontificates,” Pope Leo said during the audience, which took place on October 28 in the Auletta (little hall) of Paul VI Audience Hall. “I am therefore pleased to express my gratitude to you, and to the many generations of designers, engineers and workers whose dedication and expertise have made this longstanding partnership possible.”

Pope Leo said that “over the decades, the Popemobile has evolved from a means of transportation into an instrument of encounter, enabling the Pontiff to draw closer to the faithful during pastoral visits and public celebrations. In this way, your work has helped facilitate the Church’s mission of reaching out to people and bringing a message of faith, of hope and of charity to the world.”

“This same pastoral concern is also reflected in the first fully electric Popemobile, presented to my predecessor, Pope Francis, in preparation for last year’s Jubilee of Hope,” the Pope added. “In this spirit, I encourage you to continue placing technological innovation at the service of human dignity, care for creation and the common good.”

 

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Further information:

• To the executives of Mercedes-Benz (Dicastery for Communication - Vatican Media, 10/28/26)
• Pope to Mercedes-Benz: Technological innovation should serve human dignity (Vatican News, 10/28/26)