On December 4, 2024, Mercedes-Benz unveiled a remarkable gift for Pope Francis: a custom-designed, fully electric popemobile. The new vehicle, a modified G-Wagon, is specially built to accommodate the pope’s unique needs as he greets pilgrims during public events. This gift marks a significant milestone in the Vatican’s push for sustainability and Mercedes’ long-standing partnership with the Holy See, which has lasted nearly a century.
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A Historic Partnership with the Vatican
Mercedes-Benz has been providing vehicles to the Vatican for 94 years. The first popemobile was delivered in 1930 to Pope Pius XI, and since then, Mercedes has continuously evolved the popemobile design to meet the needs of the pontiff. For over 45 years, the Vatican’s popemobiles have been based on the iconic G-Class, a symbol of both strength and luxury. This enduring relationship between the two institutions has shaped the evolution of papal transport.
The latest gift continues this tradition, incorporating both modern sustainability features and the luxury for which Mercedes-Benz is known. As the Vatican strives to convert all its vehicles to emission-free models by 2030, the electric G-Wagon popemobile perfectly aligns with this goal. The vehicle serves as a fitting tribute to Pope Francis’ own advocacy for ecological responsibility.
Designed with Comfort and Sustainability in Mind
The new popemobile is not only environmentally friendly but also tailored to ensure the pope’s comfort and safety during his public appearances. The vehicle features a rotating heated seat and a heated handrail, which will help keep Pope Francis warm during colder months when he greets pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square. These thoughtful modifications ensure that the pontiff can stay comfortable during long public sessions, often spent standing and interacting with crowds.
The vehicle is designed for smooth, low-speed maneuvering, essential for navigating the crowds in St. Peter’s Square. With all-wheel drive and a retractable roof for protection from the elements, the electric popemobile combines practicality with elegance. The sleek white and chrome finish, along with the Vatican’s distinctive SCV 1 license plate, gives the vehicle a regal appearance fitting for the pope’s public role.
A Commitment to Green Innovation
The electric popemobile is part of Mercedes-Benz’s broader initiative to create sustainable, zero-emission vehicles. This aligns with Pope Francis’ environmental stance, which has been emphasized throughout his papacy, particularly in his 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’. By gifting the pope a zero-emissions vehicle, Mercedes is also contributing to the Vatican’s own sustainability initiatives, including the goal of becoming entirely emission-free by 2030. This collaboration represents a powerful step toward a more sustainable future for both the Vatican and the automotive industry.
Papal Mobility Through the Decades
The popemobile has evolved significantly since its introduction, moving from simple, open-top vehicles to more elaborate, custom-built cars. One of the earliest models, used by Pope John Paul II, was a modified Land Rover, while later versions saw the inclusion of bulletproof glass for added security. The G-Class, however, has been the base for many of the papal vehicles since the late 1970s, and the latest electric model carries forward this tradition of blending practicality with luxury.
In addition to the modern touches, the new popemobile retains elements of tradition. It proudly displays the Vatican’s SCV 1 license plate, signifying the Holy See’s ownership, and two small Holy See flags wave from the front. These details help maintain the continuity of papal transport, even as the vehicle adapts to modern standards.
A Symbol of Innovation and Tradition
The 2024 electric G-Wagon popemobile is more than just a vehicle—it’s a symbol of the ongoing relationship between the Vatican and Mercedes-Benz. This gift also represents the intersection of tradition and modernity, with the vehicle’s advanced green technology blending seamlessly with the pope’s public duties. As Pope Francis prepares for the 2025 Jubilee celebrations, this new popemobile will serve as a practical and symbolic tool for connecting with the millions of pilgrims expected to visit Vatican City.
This gesture by Mercedes-Benz is a testament to the enduring bond between the luxury carmaker and the Vatican, offering a glimpse into the future of sustainable papal transport while honoring the rich history of the popemobile.
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