In and around Chicago, Mercedes-Benz dealer fans may recall that back in 2002 Pope John Paul II pleaded that the term ‘Popemobile’ not be used since it sounded undignified.  Since then, it has also been referred to as the Papal Limousine or the Papal Car.  Whatever you call it, it is one of the most famous vehicles on the planet and one which Mercedes is extremely proud to be a part of.

Mercedes-Benz has been the purveyor of Popemobiles since 1930, back when Pope Pius XI was provided a Nurberg 460 Pullman limousine.  Over these seven decades, Mercedes has customized a wide range of vehicles for the Pope, leader of the Catholic Church, ranging from sedans to sports utility vehicles.

This is not a car you will see while driving on the streets of Chicago.  Certified Mercedes engineers and designers carefully produce and customize these one of a kind vehicles for the Pope alone. Probably the most well-known feature of the Popemobile is the six foot tall, bulletproof glass enclosure which hoists the Pope above the crowds. This safety feature was installed in 1981 after there was an assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II.  Other hard core security features include armored plating and specialized tires.

Around Chicago, Mercedes-Benz dealer fans probably regard the Mercedes ML 430 as the favorite Popemobile given its sleek and fancy appearance.  In 2002, this was donated to the Vatican, completely customized with the Vatican coat of arms, specialized license plate reading “SCV 1”, and the famous glass cupola.  In the Pope’s white and gold colors, the interior featured white plush leather.

The latest Popemobile has a lot of people talking around Chicago.  Certified Mercedes engineers and designers did it again with the customized M-Class sports utility vehicle that the current Pope Benedict XVI most often uses.  Not unlike the other Popemobiles in the past, it has the traditional enclosed glass in the back of the vehicle. Despite the vehicle being designed to operate at low speeds, around 10 miles per hour, it can certainly go faster if needed, going from zero to 60 in under eight seconds.

Around the world, millions of people gather to see the Pope any chance they get, hoping to catch a mere glimpse of the Catholic leader.  However, maybe, just maybe, they are also trying to get a glimpse of his sweet Popemobile.