30/09/2026
FROM THE PHILIPPINES TO LOURDES: THE POPEMOBILE OF POPE LEO XIV 🇵🇭🇫🇷
Pope Leo XIV rode an Isuzu D-MAX Popemobile during his visit to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes on Sept. 27, bringing him closer to thousands of pilgrims gathered at the Marian shrine.
The vehicle has a remarkable connection to the Philippines.
The custom-built Popemobile was produced by Isuzu Gencars, founded by the late Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua, in collaboration with Almazora Motors. It was specially modified to allow the Pope to travel safely while remaining close to the faithful.
The first Filipino-made Isuzu D-MAX Popemobile was used by Pope Francis during his historic Apostolic Visit to the Philippines in January 2015.
Following the visit, a second D-MAX Popemobile was produced for the Vatican. D. Edgard A. Cabangon, then chairman of Isuzu Gencars and son of Ambassador Cabangon Chua, personally delivered the vehicle to the Holy See on Oct. 14, 2015.
The Popemobile incorporates Filipino craftsmanship, including a traditional banig-inspired design on its leather seats.
More than a decade later, the Filipino-made Isuzu continues to serve the Pope. Pope Leo XIV has been seen using the D-MAX during his travels, including his visit to Lourdes, where he greeted and blessed pilgrims along the route.
From the Philippines to the Vatican and now to Lourdes, the Popemobile remains a remarkable symbol of Filipino craftsmanship and generosity—bringing the Successor of St. Peter closer to people around the world.
FROM THE PHILIPPINES TO LOURDES: THE POPEMOBILE OF POPE LEO XIV 🇵🇭🇫🇷
Pope Leo XIV rode an Isuzu D-MAX Popemobile during his visit to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes on Sept. 27, bringing him closer to thousands of pilgrims gathered at the Marian shrine.
The vehicle has a remarkable connection to the Philippines.
The custom-built Popemobile was produced by Isuzu Gencars, founded by the late Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua, in collaboration with Almazora Motors. It was specially modified to allow the Pope to travel safely while remaining close to the faithful.
The first Filipino-made Isuzu D-MAX Popemobile was used by Pope Francis during his historic Apostolic Visit to the Philippines in January 2015.
Following the visit, a second D-MAX Popemobile was produced for the Vatican. D. Edgard A. Cabangon, then chairman of Isuzu Gencars and son of Ambassador Cabangon Chua, personally delivered the vehicle to the Holy See on Oct. 14, 2015.
The Popemobile incorporates Filipino craftsmanship, including a traditional banig-inspired design on its leather seats.
More than a decade later, the Filipino-made Isuzu continues to serve the Pope. Pope Leo XIV has been seen using the D-MAX during his travels, including his visit to Lourdes, where he greeted and blessed pilgrims along the route.
From the Philippines to the Vatican and now to Lourdes, the Popemobile remains a remarkable symbol of Filipino craftsmanship and generosity—bringing the Successor of St. Peter closer to people around the world.
