Pope Francis is gifted all-electric ‘Popemobile’
Handcrafted by Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz has gifted Pope Francis with an all-electric ‘Popemobile, a unique vehicle handcrafted by the German automaker. Unveiled in the Vatican on December 4, 2024, the one-of-a-kind vehicle marks a significant milestone in automotive history and the Holy See’s longstanding association with Mercedes-Benz.
The bespoke vehicle is based on the newly designed electric G-Class, incorporating advanced EQ technology to ensure a sustainable future for the Pope’s public appearances. The revolutionary Popemobile aligns with the forthcoming 2025 Jubilee, a significant event expected to draw millions of Roman Catholic pilgrims to Rome.
The Pope will greet pilgrims at the next papal event in St. Peter’s Square in this Popemobile, specifically designed for him during the 2025 Jubilee Year.
In line with Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si,’ which calls for sustainable development, the new vehicle embodies the Pope’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
The historic handover ceremony occurred just outside St. Peter’s Basilica, with Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz, presenting the one-of-a-kind creation to His Holiness. At Pope Francis’ request, the entire Mercedes-Benz team who worked on the vehicle was present for the delivery.
Joined by a team of senior Mercedes-Benz experts, including Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management responsible for Sales and Marketing, and Marc Langenbrinck, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Italia, Källenius expressed his admiration for the Pope’s visionary leadership.
He spoke of the company’s sustainable business strategy, emphasising the importance of decarbonisation and electromobility. The all-electric Popemobile, he stated, would serve as a bold message of Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to a net-carbon-neutral fleet by 2039.
Entire team thanked
Pope Francis, ever gracious, invited the team responsible for the vehicle’s design and construction to join the celebration. Mercedes-Benz specialists from Graz, Sindelfingen, and Rome, who had worked in close collaboration for over a year, were acknowledged for their exceptional efforts.
The handover ceremony was followed by a private audience, during which the Pope personally thanked those involved in creating his new electric vehicle.
For nearly a century, Mercedes-Benz has supplied vehicles to the Vatican. For the first time, the iconic Popemobile has been transformed into a fully electric model that fits the modern age.
The unique vehicle itself is a testament to meticulous artisanry. The electric drivetrain, adapted specifically for the slow speeds required during public appearances, enables the Pope to travel emissions-free through the streets of Rome.
Fully customised
The vehicle’s bespoke design allows optimal flexibility. Its rotating central seat, equipped with a unique heating system and heated armrests, enables the Pope to address crowds from various angles on cold Rome days. Additional seats have been integrated behind this main seat to accommodate more passengers when necessary.
The Popemobile’s exterior is a masterpiece of bespoke design. It features a seamless transition from the rear, where the B-pillar has been re-engineered, to the classic pearl white finish. A removable hardtop ensures protection in inclement weather, while traditional coachbuilding methods were used to craft the rear door and integrate it into the vehicle’s sleek profile.
Like its predecessors, the all-new electric vehicle is white and has the licence plate SCV 1 (State of Vatican City).
This is not the first time Mercedes-Benz has provided the Vatican with a vehicle. The relationship between the two entities dates back to 1930 when Mercedes-Benz delivered the first car to Pope Pius XI: a Nürburg 460 Pullman Saloon.
G-Class
Over the decades, the company has continued to supply the Vatican with vehicles tailored to the pontiff’s needs, including the first official Popemobile used by Pope John Paul II in the 1980s. The G-Class models have been the cornerstone of this tradition, with the current model representing the pinnacle of both sustainability and design.
The handover event reminded people of the strong bond between Mercedes-Benz and the Vatican, forged through nearly a century of shared history.
In an emotional statement, Britta Seeger highlighted the profound honour of fulfilling the Pope’s desire for an electric Popemobile, expressing Mercedes-Benz’s pride in crafting a vehicle that meets both his unique requirements and broader environmental goals. “This cooperation at eye level symbolises our collective commitment to change,” Seeger noted.
Mercedes-Benz’s Chief Design Officer, Gorden Wagener, added that the electric G-Class embodies the perfect blend of sustainability, elegance, and functionality. “It is a great honour for us to present this special vehicle to Pope Francis today,” he said.
Marc Langenbrinck, head of Mercedes-Benz Italy, reflected on the longstanding relationship between the automaker and the Vatican, describing the event as a culmination of more than fifty years of collaboration. He also conveyed his best wishes to Pope Francis, anticipating a fruitful Jubilee year ahead, with the electric Popemobile offering invaluable support to His Holiness during the numerous public engagements.
The electric Popemobile project required immense dedication from the first sketches to the final production stages. Klaus Millerferli, a development engineer at Mercedes-Benz AG, expressed his pride in contributing to it, calling it a labour of love.
“The vehicle represents an incredible amount of manual labour and passion,” he said. “It’s full of state-of-the-art technology, and the experience of being part of this project will stay with me forever.”
Peter Zotter, a Mercedes-Benz development engineer in Graz, echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the team’s pride in being entrusted with creating a Popemobile.
“Building a vehicle for the Pope is something truly special for us,” he remarked. “We are very happy and proud that the Vatican once again relied on our expertise.”
Pope Francis’ current Popemobile is a petrol-powered G-Class for his weekly general audiences. The Vatican plans to convert all its vehicles to emission-free by 2030—a goal they share with Mercedes-Benz.Top of Form
Hero image: Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz, and his senior management team pose with Pope Francis following the presentation ceremony of the all-new bespoke electric Popemobile at the Vatican on December 4, 2024. Credit: Mercedes-Benz
