The Vatican unveiled the new popemobile for Pope Francis, a Mercedes-Benz Class G vehicle that will be used to tour St. Peter’s Square and greet pilgrims.
According to Euronews, this all-wheel-drive vehicle is the first fully electric popemobile and will have zero carbon emissions, in line with the Pontiff’s stance on climate protection.
Mercedes-Benz Group CEO, Ola Källenius, said it is an honor to offer the Pope his next popemobile delivery, which, according to him, is part of a hundred-year tradition at Mercedes-Benz.
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“The first car was delivered in 1930 to Pope Pius XI, but today for Pope Francis we have something very special. It is the first fully electric popemobile, based on the fully electric Class G that we launched this year,” he said.
Production
Källenius explained that it took “hundreds of hours of passion and craftsmanship” to build this unique car. The vehicle features an elevated, rotating heated chair for the Pope, as well as rear platforms for Swiss guards.
The car is presented in the traditional papal color, white, and is decorated with two crests featuring the Pope’s symbol on either side.
“The Electric G is, of course, a car that can go anywhere. In this popemobile particular, unique in its kind, I think the Holy Father will travel at somewhat lower speeds, but almost gliding through the streets in this silent electric vehicle,” added Källenius.
It is not clear when the popemobile will go into service, but it is expected that Pope Francis will use the electric Mercedes Class G when he tours St. Peter’s Square during the Jubilee of 2025.
