Popemobiles through the years

Updated 2007 GMT (0407 HKT) February 26, 2018

Chat with us in Facebook Messenger. Find out what's happening in the world as it unfolds.

Photos: Popemobiles through the years

During his January 2018 visit to the city of Iquique, Chile, Pope Francis waves from the back of a modified Toyota popemobile. Take a look at how the Pope's wheels have evolved over the years.

To learn more about the history of the papacy, watch the new CNN Original Series, "Pope: The Most Powerful Man in History," Sundays at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

Hide Caption

1 of 21

Photos: Popemobiles through the years

Benedict XVI disembarks the Popemobile in St. Peter's Square on February 27, 2013, the day before he stepped down as pope.

Hide Caption

2 of 21

Photos: Popemobiles through the years

This version of the Popemobile was used in September 2010 during the pope's visit to London, England.

Hide Caption

3 of 21

Photos: Popemobiles through the years

This picture shows the way the pope enters a Popemobile. The back door is opened, revealing a small staircase to help him board smoothly.(September 17, 2010 in London, England)

Hide Caption

4 of 21

Photos: Popemobiles through the years

Pictured here is the detail of the Popemobile licence plate. According to the Vatican, the letters on the plate stand for 'status civitatis Vaticanae.' (September 14, 2010 in London)

Hide Caption

5 of 21

Photos: Popemobiles through the years

Pope Benedict XVI waves as he arrives in St. Peter's Square after leading the Te Deum prayer on December 31, 2009 in Vatican City, Vatican. The lights inside the Popemobile enable the crowds to see inside the vehicle.

Hide Caption

6 of 21

Photos: Popemobiles through the years

This Popemobile (photographed in September 2011) is fitted with a religious image just above the pope's seat.

Hide Caption

7 of 21

Photos: Popemobiles through the years

An Israeli worker drives the Popemobile during a rehearsal on May 6, 2009 at the foot of the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. Israel's internal security agency was originally opposed to the pontiff using his Popemobile while in Nazareth on a tour of the Holy Land, according to a government document presented to the weekly Cabinet meeting on April 26.

Hide Caption

8 of 21

Photos: Popemobiles through the years

2003: Pope John Paul II arrives in St. Peter's Square in his custom-made Fiat Popemobile on May 18, 2003.

Hide Caption

9 of 21

Photos: Popemobiles through the years

Pope John Paul II salutes the crowd as he arrives for his weekly address in Vatican City on May 27, 1998.

Hide Caption

10 of 21

Photos: Popemobiles through the years

In this version of the Popemobile, Pope John Paul II arrives at Sarajevo stadium on April 13, 1997.

Hide Caption

11 of 21

Photos: Popemobiles through the years

1982: Pope John Paul II arrives at Westminster Cathedral in London in a modified Range Rover.

Hide Caption

12 of 21

Photos: Popemobiles through the years

Pope John Paul II is shot by would-be assassin Mehmet Ali Agca in St. Peter's Square on May 13, 1981. Following the assassination attempt, the Popemobile was equipped with bullet-proof glass.

Hide Caption

13 of 21

Photos: Popemobiles through the years

1980: Pope John Paul II waves to the crowds from his custom-built truck during a visit to his homeland Poland.

Hide Caption

14 of 21

Photos: Popemobiles through the years

1966: Pope Paul VI blesses lorries from the back of a Mercedes-Benz in St. Peter's Square, Rome, before they are shipped to famine-stricken areas of India.

Hide Caption

15 of 21