VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis has been presented with the first electric version of the iconic Popemobile by long-time vehicle supplier, Mercedes-Benz. This marks a significant shift towards sustainability for the Vatican as the pontiff prepares to travel in this zero-emission vehicle around St. Peter’s Square and beyond, allowing increased accessibility for well-wishers and children.
According to Ansa News Agency, Mercedes-Benz has been supplying vehicles to the Vatican for 94 years, with the past 45 years featuring the famous Popemobile based on the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. For the first time, the Popemobile is going fully electric, as Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz, along with his team, handed over the unique, hand-built electric vehicle to Pope Francis in the Vatican. This transition is timely as the Pope plans to use the vehicle for the Jubilee of 2025, a rare event that draws millions of pilgrims to Rome every 25 years.
The electric Popemobile, designed specifically to meet the Vatican’s requirements,
features an electric drive adapted for the low speeds necessary for public appearances. This aligns with Pope Francis’s advocacy for sustainable development and care for the environment, as outlined in his encyclical ‘Laudato Si” on climate change. During the handover, Källenius expressed gratitude to Pope Francis and the participants, emphasizing Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to sustainability. He highlighted that this new Popemobile not only represents exclusivity and individuality but also reinforces the company’s dedication to achieving a net-carbon-neutral fleet by 2039.
