Pope Leo XIV will use two popemobiles and three electric vehicles during his apostolic journey to Spain, which begins Saturday, June 6, with stops in Madrid, Barcelona, and the Canary Islands. The popemobile will be used for large public events. The vehicle used in Madrid will be transported to the Canary Islands when the Pope travels to Barcelona, where a second popemobile will arrive directly from Rome. After the Pope leaves Barcelona, that vehicle will be sent to Tenerife for use on the final day of the trip. On that day, he will visit sites linked to migrants and celebrate Mass in the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Members of the Air Force and Space will handle the transfers, in coordination with trip organizers and Vatican security officials.
In addition to the popemobiles, Leo XIV will use electric buggy-type vehicles, similar to those used on golf courses, to move among pilgrims at smaller events.Organizers said one buggy is being manufactured in Burgos, a second is being modified in the Canary Islands, and the third will arrive in Barcelona from Rome.
The vehicle known as the popemobile emerged in the 1970s. It is characterized by its white color and raised platform that allows the Pope to see crowds and impart his blessing. Saint Paul VI used the first version sporadically, a Toyota Land Cruiser, though it was not yet called the popemobile. It was followed by a Fiat Campagnola, the vehicle in which Saint John Paul II was shot during the assassination attempt by Mehmet Ali Agca on May 13, 1981, in St. Peter’s Square.
After the attack, armor plating and a bulletproof glass dome were added to protect the Pope while maintaining visibility. Since then, various makes have been used, including Mercedes, Fiat, Seat, Ford, and Hyundai. Armored versions coexist with more open models, such as the one typically used in St. Peter’s Square during Wednesday general audiences. According to organizers, both the armored and open versions will be used in Spain.