Vatican News video screengrab
CV NEWS FEED // On Dec. 4, Pope Francis received a special gift from Mercedes-Benz — a new convertible, electric G-Class popemobile.
The presentation took place at the Vatican, where Ola Källenius, the CEO of Mercedes-Benz, described the experience as “a great honor for us, paying attention to all the Holy Father’s needs,” Vatican News reported.
Mercedes-Benz has been providing popemobiles for nearly 100 years. The first one was given to Pope Pius XI in 1930.
The new popemobile, gifted on the occasion of the 2025 Jubilee Year, is set to make its debut at upcoming papal events during Jubilee of Hope celebrations.
The design and development of the new popemobile took almost a year, with a team of specialists from various Mercedes locations collaborating closely with Vatican representatives. The vehicle features several custom elements, including a rotating seat, handcrafted interior furnishings, and all-wheel drive designed for the low speeds typically seen during public audiences in St. Peter’s Square.
Despite its modern enhancements, the new popemobile maintains traditional elements, including its white color and the iconic license plate “SCV 1” (State of Vatican City).
Pope Francis’ current popemobile is gasoline-powered, but the new model aligns with the Vatican’s goal to transition all vehicles to zero emissions by 2030.
Källenius emphasized the company’s shared goal of transitioning to emission-free vehicles, stating, “We are moving towards zero emissions and are launching many electric products,” including the newly introduced electric G-Class.
