Pope Francis Unveils New All-Electric Mercedes Popemobile

The Vatican introduced Pope Francis’ new popemobile on Wednesday—an all-electric Mercedes-Benz designed for greeting pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square.

The vehicle is a modified version of the G-Class luxury SUV and features an elevated seat to give the pope better visibility among crowds. Painted in white, the traditional papal color, the popemobile includes heating for both the papal seat and a grab bar for stability when standing.

Sten Ola Kallenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Group, praised the craftsmanship of the vehicle, stating that it took “hundreds of hours” to create this one-of-a-kind design.

Environmental Focus and Accessibility

The new popemobile aligns with Pope Francis’ emphasis on environmental sustainability, being the first all-electric model from Mercedes-Benz for papal use. While Francis has previously used electric vehicles during foreign trips, this marks a significant milestone in eco-conscious transportation at the Vatican.

Security and Cost

The Vatican did not disclose details about the vehicle’s security features or its cost. Francis, who became pope in 2013, has consistently opted for less secure, non-bulletproof vehicles to remain accessible to the public.

Though the Vatican has not announced when the vehicle will officially be used, the popemobile reflects both modern design and Pope Francis’ commitment to environmental advocacy.