MERCEDES-BENZ MARKS LONG HISTORY OF MAKING CARS FOR THE POPE

Pope Leo XIV also met with the executives of the German auto company on Wednesday.

Pope Leo XIV with some executives of Mercedes-Benz after his private audience with them at the Vatican on Oct. 28, 2026. (Photo: Vatican Media)

Mercedes-Benz, the German luxury automaker, celebrated nearly 100 years of producing the popemobile — the pope’s personal vehicle.

To mark the occasion, Pope Leo XIV held a private audience with Mercedes-Benz executives on Wednesday. That same day, the exhibit “A Century of the Popemobile” opened at the Vatican Museums, featuring the first popemobile, gifted to Pope Pius XI in 1930, and the one in which St. John Paul II was shot on May 13, 1981.

Evolving Papal Transportation

In his address to Mercedes-Benz, the Pope praised the company for its enduring partnership with the Vatican and reflected on how papal transportation — from St. Peter to the present — has evolved.

“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,” Leo said.

Pope Leo XIV addresses the executives of Mercedes-Benz during a private audience at the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican on Oct. 28, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media

“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.”

The Pope also encouraged them to direct their innovations toward a more sustainable world, placing their "technological innovation at the service of human dignity, care for creation, and the common good.”

From Carriages to Modern Transport

Papal transportation has evolved since the late Roman Empire, when popes were carried on the “sedia gestatoria” — ornate, ceremonial thrones carried by 12 footmen during processions and major liturgical celebrations.

Pope Pius XI used the Nürburg 460 Pullman, made by Mercedes-Benz, as the first official automobile to transport the pope. | Credit: Photo courtesy of the Vatican Museums

From the late 19th century onward, popes increasingly chose modern forms of transportation, with Blessed Pius IX using the first papal train in 1859. The Nürburg 460 Pullman, made by Mercedes-Benz and given to Pope Pius XI in 1930, was the first official automobile used to transport the pope.

The Fiat 1107 - Nuova Campagnola, in which St. John Paul II was shot on May 13, 1981. | Credit: Ishmael Adibuah/EWTN News

The word “popemobile” was first used to describe a custom-made Lincoln Continental for St. Paul VI’s 1965 visit to the United States. Popes since St. John Paul II have used the popemobile, with Mercedes-Benz adapting future models for security since his 1981 shooting.

Keeping the Pope Safe

Speaking on the sidelines of the launch of the exhibit “A Century of the Popemobile,” the Mercedes-Benz executives spoke with EWTN News, reflecting on the near-century-long partnership with the Vatican.

Marc Langenbrinck, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Italy, described the partnership as a privilege, especially as a Catholic.

“[This day] is just simply the most beautiful day of my career because I am Catholic and I believe, and for me it is something which is a project of a lifetime,” Langenbrinck told EWTN News.

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Marcus Breitschwerdt, executive vice president of Mercedes-Benz, explained the security and accessibility measures implemented in the popemobile.

“Well, first of all, a vehicle has to move safely, comfortably, but also safely in terms of traffic and accident risks,” Breitschwerdt said to EWTN News. “It has to be safely conceived and executed in terms of the current modern risks you face if you are in big crowds.”

Marcus Breitschwerdt, executive vice president of Mercedes-Benz, at the exhibition “A Century of the Popemobile” at the Vatican Museums on Oct. 28, 2026. | Credit: Ishmael Adibuah/EWTN News

“So we have armored versions; we have the secured glass Popemobiles, which are very, very sophisticated,” Breitschwerdt added.

Breitschwerdt, in a speech for the exhibit launch, also said that no Mercedes-Benz employee is ever allowed to sit on the pope’s seat in the Popemobile.

“There is a strict rule that no one — not even the mechanics who maintain the vehicles or our CEO — is allowed to sit in the popeʼs seat,” Breitschwerdt said.

- Ishmael Adibuah/EWTN News | Vatican

FULL TEXT OF POPE FRANCIS' 'URBI ET ORBI' BLESSING FOR EASTER

‘The resurrection of Jesus is indeed the basis of our hope. For in the light of this event, hope is no longer an illusion. Thanks to Christ — crucified and risen from the dead — hope does not disappoint!’

Pope Francis speaks the Easter blessing from the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica, April 20, 2025. (Photo: Daniel Ibáñez)

Pope Francis |Vatican | April 20, 2025

On Easter Sunday 2025,  Pope Francis did not deliver his speech in person, though he briefly greeted  the faithful with a brief “Brothers and sisters, Happy Easter.” 

The Pope’s urbi et orbi was read by Archbishop Diego Ravelli, the master of pontifical liturgical celebrations, as the 88-year-old Pontiff, still convalescing, was present but physically limited. Pope Francis briefly blessed the crowd after the message was read.

Urbi et orbi means “To the city [of Rome] and to the world.” It is a special apostolic blessing given by the pope every year on Easter Sunday, Christmas and other special occasions.

Here is the full text of the Pope’s message:

Christ is risen, alleluia!

Dear brothers and sisters, Happy Easter!

Today at last, the singing of the Alleluia is heard once more in the Church, passing from mouth to mouth, from heart to heart, and this makes the people of God throughout the world shed tears of joy.

From the empty tomb in Jerusalem, we hear unexpected good news: Jesus, who was crucified, “is not here, he has risen” (Luke 24:5). Jesus is not in the tomb, he is alive!

Love has triumphed over hatred, light over darkness and truth over falsehood. Forgiveness has triumphed over revenge. Evil has not disappeared from history; it will remain until the end, but it no longer has the upper hand; it no longer has power over those who accept the grace of this day.

Sisters and brothers, especially those of you experiencing pain and sorrow, your silent cry has been heard and your tears have been counted; not one of them has been lost! In the passion and death of Jesus, God has taken upon himself all the evil in this world and in his infinite mercy has defeated it. He has uprooted the diabolical pride that poisons the human heart and wreaks violence and corruption on every side. The Lamb of God is victorious! That is why, today, we can joyfully cry out: “Christ, my hope, has risen!” (Easter Sequence).

The resurrection of Jesus is indeed the basis of our hope. For in the light of this event, hope is no longer an illusion. Thanks to Christ — crucified and risen from the dead — hope does not disappoint! Spes non confundit! (Romans 5:5). That hope is not an evasion, but a challenge; it does not delude, but empowers us.

All those who put their hope in God place their feeble hands in his strong and mighty hand; they let themselves be raised up and set out on a journey. Together with the Risen Jesus, they become pilgrims of hope, witnesses of the victory of love and of the disarmed power of Life.

Christ is risen! These words capture the whole meaning of our existence, for we were not made for death but for life. Easter is the celebration of life! God created us for life and wants the human family to rise again! In his eyes, every life is precious! The life of a child in the mother’s womb, as well as the lives of the elderly and the sick, who in more and more countries are looked upon as people to be discarded.

What a great thirst for death, for killing, we witness each day in the many conflicts raging in different parts of our world! How much violence we see, often even within families, directed at women and children! How much contempt is stirred up at times towards the vulnerable, the marginalized, and migrants!

On this day, I would like all of us to hope anew and to revive our trust in others, including those who are different than ourselves, or who come from distant lands, bringing unfamiliar customs, ways of life and ideas! For all of us are children of God!

I would like us to renew our hope that peace is possible! From the Holy Sepulchre, the Church of the Resurrection, where this year Easter is being celebrated by Catholics and Orthodox on the same day, may the light of peace radiate throughout the Holy Land and the entire world. I express my closeness to the sufferings of Christians in Palestine and Israel, and to all the Israeli people and the Palestinian people. The growing climate of antisemitism throughout the world is worrisome. Yet at the same time, I think of the people of Gaza, and its Christian community in particular, where the terrible conflict continues to cause death and destruction and to create a dramatic and deplorable humanitarian situation. I appeal to the warring parties: call a ceasefire, release the hostages and come to the aid of a starving people that aspires to a future of peace!

Let us pray for the Christian communities in Lebanon and in Syria, presently experiencing a delicate transition in its history. They aspire to stability and to participation in the life of their respective nations. I urge the whole Church to keep the Christians of the beloved Middle East in its thoughts and prayers.

I also think in particular of the people of Yemen, who are experiencing one of the world’s most serious and prolonged humanitarian crises because of war, and I invite all to find solutions through a constructive dialogue.

May the risen Christ grant Ukraine, devastated by war, his Easter gift of peace, and encourage all parties involved to pursue efforts aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace.

On this festive day, let us remember the South Caucasus and pray that a final peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan will soon be signed and implemented, and lead to long-awaited reconciliation in the region.

May the light of Easter inspire efforts to promote harmony in the western Balkans and sustain political leaders in their efforts to allay tensions and crises, and, together with their partner countries in the region, to reject dangerous and destabilizing actions.

May the Risen Christ, our hope, grant peace and consolation to the African peoples who are victims of violence and conflict, especially in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in Sudan and South Sudan. May he sustain those suffering from the tensions in the Sahel, the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes region, as well as those Christians who in many places are not able freely to profess their faith.

There can be no peace without freedom of religion, freedom of thought, freedom of expression and respect for the views of others.

Nor is peace possible without true disarmament! The requirement that every people provide for its own defence must not turn into a race to rearmament. The light of Easter impels us to break down the barriers that create division and are fraught with grave political and economic consequences. It impels us to care for one another, to increase our mutual solidarity, and to work for the integral development of each human person.

During this time, let us not fail to assist the people of Myanmar, plagued by long years of armed conflict, who, with courage and patience, are dealing with the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Sagaing, which caused the death of thousands and great suffering for the many survivors, including orphans and the elderly. We pray for the victims and their loved ones, and we heartily thank all the generous volunteers carrying out the relief operations. The announcement of a ceasefire by various actors in the country is a sign of hope for the whole of Myanmar.

I appeal to all those in positions of political responsibility in our world not to yield to the logic of fear which only leads to isolation from others, but rather to use the resources available to help the needy, to fight hunger and to encourage initiatives that promote development. These are the “weapons” of peace: weapons that build the future, instead of sowing seeds of death!

May the principle of humanity never fail to be the hallmark of our daily actions. In the face of the cruelty of conflicts that involve defenceless civilians and attack schools, hospitals and humanitarian workers, we cannot allow ourselves to forget that it is not targets that are struck, but persons, each possessed of a soul and human dignity.

In this Jubilee year, may Easter also be a fitting occasion for the liberation of prisoners of war and political prisoners!

Dear brothers and sisters,

In the Lord’s Paschal Mystery, death and life contended in a stupendous struggle, but the Lord now lives forever (cf. Easter Sequence). He fills us with the certainty that we too are called to share in the life that knows no end, when the clash of arms and the rumble of death will be heard no more. Let us entrust ourselves to him, for he alone can make all things new (Revelation 21:5)!

Happy Easter to everyone!

AFTER POPE FRANCIS 'DEATH, WHO WILL HEAD THE CATHOLIC CHURCH? | LIKELY LIST OF SUCCESSORS

The Pope was in a critical state as he battled respiratory complications at Rome's Gemelli Hospital. His ill health cast uncertainty over the Holy Year and the Catholic Church

Pope Francis has died at the age of 88. The news was confirmed by the Vatican. As per this, the Pope died on Monday at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta.

The Pope was in a critical state as he battled respiratory complications at Rome's Gemelli Hospital. His ill health cast uncertainty over the Holy Year and the Catholic Church.

With the Pope now no more, one question comes to everyone's mind - who will replace the Pope?

But first, here's a look at what the Vatican says about choosing a new pope.

How Is A New Pope Elected?

When a Pope dies or resigns, the governance of the Catholic Church is passed on to the College of Cardinals. These cardinals serve as the Pope's closest advisors during their term.

Following this, a papal conclave is held in which the cardinals come together to elect a new bishop of Rome and the new pope is selected on the basis of a two-thirds supermajority vote.

The most recent papal conclave occurred in 2013 when Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected as Pope Francis, succeeding the retiring Pope Benedict XVI.

Who Will Succeed Pope Francis?

While no official successors have been named, here is a look at the likely successors of Pope Francis.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin

70-year-old Parolin has been the Vatican's secretary of state since 2013. Hailing from Veneto, Parolin is the highest-ranking cardinal in the conclave.

For years, Parolin has also been considered as a sensible moderate figure who does not lean towards the "left" or "right."

Cardinal Peter Erdo

Erdo is a devout Marian (one who devotes his practices to Marh, mother of Jesus Christ), and the former president of the Council of Bishops Conferences of Europe.

The 72-year-old Hungarian is also known as one of the conservative voices within the church and has openly opposed the practice of divorced or remarried Catholics.

Becoming a cardinal in 2003, Erdo also believes that taking in refugees amounts to human trafficking.

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle

Tagle is the seventh Filipino to become a cardinal and if elected, would become the world's first Asian pope.

The 67-year-old cardinal serves as the pro-prefect for the section of the

first evangelisation of the dicastery for evangelisation. He was made a cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI.

Similar to Pope Francis, Tagle has shown more left-leaning ideologies and has criticised the church's language and approach towards the LGBTQ community, unwed mothers and divorced/remarried Catholics.

Cardinal Matteo Zuppi

Zuppi has been the president of the Episcopal Conference of Italy since May 2022. The 69-year-old was made a cardinal by Pope Francis in 2019 and is considered to the favourite of the Pope.

Since 2019, Zuppi has been sent to several global missions such as a peace mission to Ukraine and then to the US.

Zuppi has also shared positive views towards the LGBTQ community.

Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke

Cardinal Burke, hailing from Wisconsin, has been regarded as a traditionalist. He was made a cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010.

Burke has openly and publicly clashed with Pope Francis' liberal philosophies, especially regarding the willingness to allow divorced and remarried couples to receive the Eucharist. (also know as the Holy Communion - it is a central act of Christian worship).

As per Burke, Catholic politicians who support legalised abortion, such as former President Joe Biden, should not receive the Eucharist.

- Outlook Web Desk

POPE FRANCIS DIES AT AGE 88