Mercedes-Benz, has delivered the first all-electric “Popemobile” to Pope Francis. This custom-built, eco-friendly vehicle marks a significant step in the Vatican’s commitment to climate action and sustainability.
The vehicle is based on the iconic Mercedes-Benz G-Class but has been extensively modified to meet the Papal State’s unique requirements. It retains the high security and comfort standards expected of a Popemobile, while also aligning with Pope Francis’s ongoing advocacy for environmental stewardship.
A Historic Partnership
Mercedes-Benz has been the official supplier of vehicles to the Vatican for an impressive 94 years. Over the past 45 years, the company has designed and delivered various versions of the Popemobile, tailored to the evolving needs of the Papacy. The unveiling of this electric Popemobile represents a significant evolution in this long-standing partnership, blending tradition with the modern necessity of sustainability.
Pope Francis’s embrace of an all-electric Popemobile sets a powerful example for promoting sustainable practices. Mercedes-Benz Chairman Ola Källenius shared his thoughts on this landmark moment:
“With the new Popemobile, Pope Francis is the first pope to be travelling in a fully electric Mercedes-Benz when making public appearances. This is a special honour for our company, and I would like to thank His Holiness for his trust. With this Popemobile, we are also sending out a clear call for electromobility and decarbonisation. Mercedes-Benz not only stands for the special and individual – but also for consistently creating the conditions for a net-carbon-neutral new car fleet in 2039.”
– Ola Källenius
Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG
Pioneering Sustainability
This electric Popemobile features zero-emissions technology and is a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to decarbonisation and its “Ambition 2039” plan for achieving a fully net-carbon-neutral vehicle lineup. It also embodies Pope Francis’s message from his Laudato Si’ encyclical, where he called for collective action to care for “our common home.”
Design and Features
The vehicle maintains the signature transparent protective enclosure, elevated seating for visibility, and custom modifications to ensure comfort and accessibility for the Pope during public appearances. While details about the electric drivetrain remain under wraps, the G-Class-based Popemobile is expected to feature a substantial range and advanced electric technology, making it both a practical and symbolic statement.
A Call to Action
As the world shifts toward sustainable practices, this move by Pope Francis and Mercedes-Benz sends a clear signal about the importance of embracing green technologies. The introduction of the electric Popemobile demonstrates that even age-old traditions can adapt to the urgent needs of today’s environmental challenges.
This collaboration is not only a testament to innovation but also a reminder that every step toward sustainability matters — whether it’s on the world stage or the streets of the Vatican.
