The Popemobile that will transport the Supreme Pontiff during his upcoming visit to Peru was officially unveiled and blessed on Wednesday at a ceremony held at the Apostolic Nunciature in Lima's Jesús María district.
The unveiling was attended by representatives of the Apostolic Nunciature, the Peruvian Episcopal Conference (CEP), and General Motors, the company responsible for adapting the vehicle, as well as Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Eric Anderson, and Transportation Minister José Angello Tangherlini.
During the ceremony, General Motors Peru Country Manager Diego Novoa said the delivery of this Popemobile represents a collective commitment to ensuring that millions of Peruvians can safely meet the Holy Father.
He added that they hope the vehicle will serve as a means of bringing the Pope closer to the population.
The vehicle was blessed by Cardinal Pedro Barreto, Archbishop Emeritus of Huancayo, who opened the religious ceremony with the Lord's Prayer and a reading from the Gospel of John.
He then pronounced the blessing: "May the Lord bless this vehicle in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen," before sprinkling it with holy water.
In his remarks, the Apostolic Nuncio to Peru, Archbishop Paolo Rocco, highlighted that the Popemobile will allow thousands of faithful to see the Pontiff up close as he travels through the country.
"It is a valuable tool that helps spread the Good News of the Gospel," he stated.
In turn, Peruvian Episcopal Conference Chairman Bishop Carlos García Camader indicated that the Popemobile represents "a sign of a Church that goes out to meet the faithful."
He also noted that the vehicle is much more than a means of transportation, allowing the Holy Father to get closer to citizens and bless them as he travels through the streets.
The two Popemobiles that will accompany Pope Leo XIV during his visit to Peru arrived in Lima from Brazil last weekend.
One of them was officially unveiled today at the Apostolic Nunciature, specially outfitted and bearing the Vatican’s symbols: the Holy See's white and yellow flags and the papal coat of arms.
The vehicle is a Chevrolet four-wheel-drive pickup truck weighing approximately three tons.
It underwent several modifications to meet the Supreme Pontiff’s transportation and security requirements during his activities in the country.
What does the inside of the Popemobile look like?
The Popemobiles were developed based on two Chevrolet Colorado pickup trucks manufactured at General Motors’ plant in São José dos Campos, Brazil.
These vehicles are equipped with a 2.8-liter turbo-diesel engine delivering 204 horsepower and 510 Nm of torque.
They feature 4x4 drive for challenging terrain, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and a refined suspension system.
In terms of safety, they are equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems, six airbags, and additional features designed to provide maximum protection and help prevent accidents.
The main modifications made to the Colorado pickups to transform them into Popemobiles include structural and functional alterations to the cab and cargo bed to install a flat, carpeted floor with the papal seat and two passenger seats; a retractable rear access stairway system specifically designed for these vehicles; and designated spaces for the Pope's security personnel.
Safety features such as handrails and support bars were also installed to allow the Pope to travel either standing or seated in complete comfort and safety.
Additionally, the roof was modified to enable communication between the Pope and the driver, in accordance with the Vatican's requirements.
Both vehicles feature a removable cabin specially designed for these models and fitted with transparent panels that allow the Holy Father to maintain eye contact with the faithful during his journeys.
The conversion process was completed in just 24 days. It included technical and operational tests of the installed systems.
(END) RRC/MVB
Published: 11/4/2026