Pope Francis has received a special gift from Mercedes-Benz: a one-of-a-kind electric popemobile, designed for his security and comfort, as well as the Vatican’s commitment to sustainability.
Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius and company representatives on Wednesday, December 4, presented the new electric G-Class vehicle, a sleek, environmentally friendly alternative to the traditional gasoline-powered popemobiles used during public appearances.
The vehicle was specially crafted for Pope Francis in anticipation of the Jubilee Year 2025, a major Catholic event that draws millions of faithful.
“(This is) a great honor for us,” Källenius said during the presentation. “(We are) paying attention to all of the Holy Father’s needs… while moving towards zero emissions.”
In keeping with the Vatican’s environmental goals—specifically, converting all its vehicles to emission-free models by 2030—the new popemobile features an electric drivetrain optimized for slow speeds. It includes a rotating, height-adjustable seat that allows the Pope to greet crowds from multiple angles. The car also boasts a retractable roof, a handcrafted interior, and all-wheel drive, designed to accommodate its use in St. Peter’s Square.
This custom vehicle, built over nearly a year by a team of Mercedes-Benz engineers and Vatican representatives, is a modern update to a long-standing tradition. It was designed as a one-of-a-kind model, specifically for Pope Francis. “Compared to the original vehicle, many things changed in terms of the base, so the starting point was different,” explained Peter Zotter, a member of the development division at the Graz factory where the G-Class models are produced.
This evolution of the popemobile continues a historic partnership between Mercedes-Benz and the Vatican, dating back to 1930. The first popemobile, a Nürburg 460 sedan, was provided to Pope Pius XI that year. Since then, Mercedes-Benz has been the exclusive provider of the Pope’s vehicles. Despite the modern upgrades, the popemobile retains traditional elements, including its white color and Vatican license plate “SCV 1”.
The new popemobile is not only a symbol of luxury but also highlights the shared commitment of the Vatican and Mercedes-Benz to advancing green technologies. “With this popemobile, we are also sending out a clear call for electromobility and decarbonization,” Källenius said.
Although the Vatican declined to comment on specific security features, previous popemobiles have included reinforced elements for protection.
The popemobile will make its public debut during the Jubilee, which begins on December 26, as Pope Francis greets the faithful in St. Peter’s Square. The Jubilee Year, running through January 6, 2026, is expected to attract millions of pilgrims.