Pope Francis Receives First Electric 'Popemobile' From Mercedes-Benz

The Popemobile is going all-electric. Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius and the team members involved in its development have handed over a handmade unique vehicle to Pope Francis in the Vatican.

Its electric drivetrain was adapted to the particularly low speeds required for public appearances.

In the rear, the bench seat was replaced by a centrally positioned and height-adjustable single seat.

This swivelling main seat makes it possible to move around flexibly and address an audience from different angles.

Behind the single seat, two single seats have been integrated on the left and right for additional passengers.

The Pope will be travelling locally emission-free in a new Mercedes-Benz in time for the 2025 Jubilee – an event that only takes place every 25 years and one for which millions of pilgrims are expected in Rome.

For the past 45 years, the Pope has been using the 'Popemobiles' based on the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, says: “With the new Popemobile, Pope Francis is the first pope to be travelling in a fully electric Mercedes-Benz when making public appearances. This is a special honour for our company, and I would like to thank His Holiness for his trust. With this Popemobile, we are also sending out a clear call for electromobility and decarbonisation. Mercedes-Benz not only stands for the special and individual – but also for consistently creating the conditions for a net-carbon-neutral^[1] new car fleet in 2039.”

Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, responsible for Sales & Marketing, adds: “We build the perfect Mercedes for every customer – including, for almost 100 years, the Vatican. We are overjoyed to be able to fulfil the Holy Father's wish for an electric Popemobile and are particularly proud to be able to build the vehicle according to his requirements. This cooperation at eye level honours us deeply and is a valuable symbol of sustainable change together.”

Mercedes-Benz has been manufacturing vehicles for the head of the Catholic Church for almost 100 years.