Dueling Popemobiles inches closer as Catholic schism deepens

A fresh schism within Catholicism has pushed the prospect of rival Popemobiles—one for the Vatican’s Pope Leo XIV and another for a potential antipope—closer to reality. The Society of St. Pius X (SSPX), a traditionalist Catholic group, defied the Vatican this week by consecrating four new bishops despite explicit warnings from Pope Leo XIV, an act that triggered automatic excommunication for the six SSPX bishops involved.

The Vatican swiftly responded by formally declaring the consecrations a “schismatic act,” invalidating the sacraments performed by the bishops and confirming their excommunication. The escalation marks a turning point after decades of failed negotiations, as the SSPX now represents a parallel ultra-Catholic movement rooted in pre-Vatican II traditions. With six bishops, 751 priests, 264 seminarians, 145 religious brothers, 88 oblates, and 250 religious sisters across 50 nationalities, the group’s global presence—estimated at around 600,000 members—has grown significantly since its 1970 founding by French Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, who was previously excommunicated and later reinstated.

The Vatican’s aggressive stance suggests it views the SSPX as a genuine threat to its authority. Should the SSPX solidify its identity as the “true” Catholic Church, it would logically need an antipope—and, by extension, an Antipopemobile to rival the Vatican’s own ceremonial ride. The question of who would supply such a vehicle looms large.

Italian automakers are unlikely to defy Rome, while other European brands may hesitate given the Vatican’s global influence. Even U.S. automakers could face backlash from the 50 million-plus Roman Catholics in America. The SSPX’s conservative leanings complicate potential partnerships with brands tied to progressive causes, exemplified by Dartz’s decision to remove the letter “Z” from its logo following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine—likely rendering the company too “woke” for the traditionalist sect.

Enter Mansory, the German coachbuilder known for pushing boundaries regardless of moral or religious constraints. If the check clears, Mansory will reportedly build the most provocative vehicle imaginable, including a modified Tesla Cybertruck already in its lineup. A Mansory Elongation version of the Cybertruck, draped in a ceremonial rain cover, could easily serve as the ultimate Antipopemobile—blasphemous, heretical, and undeniably cool.