Pope Francis Drives Sustainability Forward with Electric Popemobile

Vatican City, December 4, 2024: Pope Francis has embraced sustainability as he unveiled a new electric popemobile gifted by Mercedes-Benz on the occasion of the Jubilee Year 2025. The bespoke G-Class vehicle, handed over by Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius and his team, reflects the Vatican’s commitment to a greener future. 

The Holy Father, known for advocating environmental stewardship, personally requested the presence of the entire Mercedes team involved in the vehicle's creation during the handover ceremony. Speaking about the gesture, Källenius remarked, “It’s a great honour for us, paying attention to all the Holy Father’s needs.”

This new addition to the Vatican fleet represents a century-long collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and the Vatican, which began with the first popemobile for Pope Pius XI in 1930. Unlike its gasoline-powered predecessor, this G-Class model aligns with the Vatican’s goal to transition entirely to emission-free vehicles by 2030, a vision shared by Mercedes-Benz.

Crafted by a team of specialists over the course of a year, the electric popemobile boasts a retractable roof, a rotating seat and handcrafted interior furnishings. It combines modern innovations with traditional elements, including the iconic white exterior and the license plate SCV 1. The vehicle’s low-speed, all-wheel drive ensures smooth navigation through crowded processions, offering Pope Francis both comfort and visibility.

Pope Francis is expected to debut the vehicle during the next public event at St. Peter’s Square, where he will greet pilgrims from the electric popemobile. This step reinforces his commitment to promoting sustainable practices, mirroring his teachings on ecological responsibility in Laudato Si’.

Courtesy: Vatican News