Mercedes-Benz presents Pope with new electric popemobile

Pope Francis with the Mercedes-Benz team and the new specially-designed popemobile

Source: Vatican Media

On 4 December, Mercedes-Benz presented Pope Francis with a new eco-friendly popemobile - a convertible, electric G-Class vehicle. At Pope Francis' request, the entire team who worked on the vehicle was present for the delivery.

The CEO of Mercedes-Benz, Ola Källenius, said building the unique vehicle was "a great honour for us, paying attention to all the Holy Father's needs."

The Pope will greet pilgrims at the next papal event in St Peter's Square in this popemobile, specifically designed for him for the Jubilee Year.

Pope Francis' current popemobile is a hybrid gasoline-powered G-Class for his weekly General Audiences.

A team of specialists from different Mercedes locations worked for almost a year with representatives from the Vatican to build a car tailored to the Pope's needs.

One of the main priorities was zero emissions, as the Vatican plans to convert all its vehicles to emission-free by 2030-a goal they share with Mercedes.

"We are moving towards zero emissions and are launching many electric products," the CEO explained. "This year we launched the electric G-Class."

This car was made one of a kind, specifically for Pope Francis. "Compared to the original vehicle, many things changed in terms of the base, so the starting point was different," Peter Zotter, who works in the development division at the Graz factory where the G-Class models are produced, explained.

The new electric car includes a rotating seat and handcrafted interior furnishings. Additionally, it offers all-wheel drive, designed particularly for the low speed the popemobile is often driven through St Peter's Square during public audiences.

Mr. Zotter described the vehicle as "a unique piece with all the features," and he expressed his hope that "it will provide the Holy Father with the comfort he needs for his travels."

The Pope's new and improved car is also equipped with a retractable roof to protect him from the elements. The right side back door is built on rotating hinges, while the left is completely welded.

Yet with all the modern touches of the 2025 popemobile, tradition is still factored in. Like its predecessors, the car is white and has the license plate SCV 1 (State of Vatican City).

For nearly 100 years, Mercedes has worked with the Vatican to provide the 'popemobile.' The first one was given to Pope Pius XI in 1930.