On Wednesday, December 4, 2024, the Vatican unveiled a new open-top popemobile, an all-electric Mercedes-Benz that Pope Francis will use when he greets pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square.
The Pope has just received a brand-new, all-electric G-Wagon, courtesy of Mercedes-Benz. This custom-made vehicle, also known as the “Popemobile,” is the first electric car to be used by the Pope for public appearances.
The electric G-Wagon has been modified to meet the Pope’s specific needs, with a rotating heated seat and handrail to keep him warm during winter rides around St. Peter’s Square. The vehicle also features a removable top that provides protection from the elements and a raised seat that allows the Pope to be seen by crowds.
The Popemobile is, of course, painted in the classic pearl white hue. The electric Popemobile has been readied in time for Pope Francis to travel in during the 2025 Jubilee. The Jubilee happens once every 25 years and is expected to draw millions of devotees to Rome to make pilgrimages to holy sites. The celebration will kick off this Christmas Eve.
Ola Källenius, chairman of the board of management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, handed over the vehicle after a private meeting with Pope Francis.
In a statement later released by the company, he said it was a “special honour” to supply the zero-emissions vehicle and thanked the Pope “for his trust”.
“With this Popemobile, we are also sending out a clear call for electromobility and decarbonization,” Källenius said.
The new Popemobile is part of the Pope’s efforts to promote sustainability and reduce carbon emissions. Mercedes-Benz has been working with the Vatican to create a more environmentally friendly vehicle, and this electric G-Wagon is a significant step in that direction.
Mercedes-Benz has been supplying cars to the Vatican for nearly 100 years, and this new electric G-Wagon is the latest in a long line of custom-made vehicles for the Pope. The company has a history of working closely with the Vatican to create vehicles that meet the Pope’s specific needs and promote sustainability. Mercedes’s flagship SUV has served as the primary form of transportation for the Pope for the past 45 years.
The Holy G-Wagon is more than a car—it’s a mobile pulpit, a security fortress, and a symbol of the papacy’s evolving priorities.
Can a vehicle this luxurious truly reflect the values of humility and service? Or does its potential sustainability make it a bold step in the right direction for modern faith leadership?
What do you think? Is the Holy G-Wagon a heavenly innovation, or does it miss the mark on modesty? Let’s talk in the comments!
