Mercedes-Benz gifts Pope Francis new electric popemobile

By Kielce Gussie

There is a new popemobile in the Vatican. On December 4, Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius and other team members presented Pope Francis with a new electric G-Glass convertible. Källenius described the experience as “a great honor for us, being attentive to all the needs of the Holy Father.”

Mercedes-Benz CEO presents Pope with new popemobile

The Pope will welcome pilgrims at the next pontifical event in St. Peter’s Square in this popemobile specially designed for him on the occasion of the Jubilee Year. At the request of Pope Francis, the entire team working on the vehicle was present for the delivery.

A century of experience

For 100 years, Mercedes has worked with the Vatican to provide what is known as the “Popemobile.” The first was given to Pope Pius XI in 1930. Pope Francis’ current popemobile is a gasoline-powered G-Class for his weekly general audiences.

A green car for the Green Pope

A team of specialists from different Mercedes sites worked for almost a year with Vatican representatives to build a car tailored to the pope’s needs.

One of the top priorities was zero emissions, as the Vatican plans to convert all of its vehicles to zero emissions by 2030 – a goal it shares with Mercedes.

The entire Mercedes team who worked on the vehicle greeted the Pope

“We are moving towards zero emissions and launching many electric products,” explained the CEO. “This year we launched the electric G-Class.”

This car was made in a unique way, especially for Pope Francis. “Compared to the original vehicle, a lot has changed in terms of basics, so the starting point was different,” explained Peter Zotter, who works in the development division of the Graz plant where the models are produced. Class G.

One of a kind

The new electric car features a rotating seat and hand-crafted interior furniture. In addition, it offers all-wheel drive, specially designed for the low speed at which the Popemobile often travels in Saint-Pierre Square during public audiences.

Zotter described the vehicle as “a unique piece with all the features” and expressed his hope that “it will provide the Holy Father with the comfort he needs for his travels.”

The Pope’s new and improved car also comes with a retractable roof to protect him from the elements. The right rear door is built on rotating hinges, while the left one is fully welded.

Yet with all the modern touches of the 2025 popemobile, tradition is still present. Like its predecessors, the car is white and bears the license plate SCV 1 (Vatican City State).