Vatican opens exhibition of Mercedes popemobiles spanning nearly a century

The Vatican is holding an exhibition of some of the Pope's best-known vehicles, marking nearly a century of popemobiles. The collection focuses on Mercedes-Benz cars, which the Pope has ridden in since 1930.

The exhibition features the glass-enclosed G-Class popemobiles, the most famous of the cars Mercedes has supplied to the Vatican. The number of vehicles on show and the venue's full details have not been given.

For decades, the carmaker has provided cars to the Holy See. The Pope's use of Mercedes-Benz cars dates back to 1930, making the partnership one of the longest-running links between a carmaker and a religious institution.

The glass-enclosed design lets the Pope be seen clearly by crowds during public appearances. It is the feature most associated with the popemobile name.

It has not yet been announced how long the exhibition will run or whether it will travel to other cities. Further details on the vehicles' specifications and the exhibition schedule have not yet been published.