An Unusual Popemobile in Spain: Japanese Isuzu D-Max for Leo XIV. Pope Leo XIV is using two popemobiles in Spain: the familiar Mercedes-Benz and a rare Isuzu D-Max. The Japanese SUV is already waiting for the pontiff in Barcelona under police protection. Both vehicles feature custom modifications and share the same license plate.
Pope Leo XIV's visit to Spain is marked not only by large-scale religious services but also by the appearance of rare vehicles. In addition to the familiar Mercedes-Benz Clase G, which has already greeted the pontiff in Madrid, an unusual popemobile—a Japanese Isuzu D-Max—has been prepared for trips around Barcelona. According to Autobild, this SUV was specially modified for the needs of the head of the Catholic Church and is now under round-the-clock police protection in Barcelona.
Both popemobiles arrived in Spain on May 31 at the Torrejón de Ardoz military airfield. The delivery from Italy was handled by the Air Force and the Space Defense Army, and after landing, the vehicles were placed under the control of the National Police. The Mercedes-Benz Clase G is fully electric, with an open top and a special platform for greetings. It has already been used by Pope Francis. Its design allows Leo XIV to stand freely and address the faithful while on the move.
The Isuzu D-Max awaiting the pontiff in Barcelona is a classic pickup model adapted for public events. A secure platform is installed at the rear, providing safety and good visibility of the Pope for the gathered crowd. Thanks to its all-wheel drive and low-range gearbox, this vehicle is capable of moving very slowly, which is important for ceremonies attended by large crowds.
Technically, the Isuzu D-Max is equipped with a 2.2-liter turbodiesel engine producing 163 hp and 400 Nm of torque. Its specifications are comparable to the Ford Ranger and KGM Musso, and it is also available in an electric version with a range of up to 263 km. Notably, both Popemobiles share the same license plate—SCV 1, which stands for Status Civitatis Vaticanae and is traditionally assigned to the official vehicles of the pontiff.
Leo XIV's itinerary includes Madrid, Barcelona, Gran Canaria, and Tenerife. In the capital, his arrival has already become the largest religious event of recent years: over a million people gathered at the service in Madrid. Now all attention is on Barcelona, where the Japanese Popemobile will make its debut route.
The use of different Popemobile models highlights not only technological progress but also the Vatican's commitment to safety and openness. For Spain, this is a rare opportunity to see these unique vehicles, which usually remain out of the public eye.
