Sunday 22 Dec
Shortly before his 88th birthday, Pope Francis received a new electric car, custom-made for him by Mercedes-Benz. This marks the first time a Pope has driven a vehicle with zero carbon emissions.
For nearly a century, Popes have been transported in specially designed vehicles. However, Pope Francis is now one of the first heads of state to transition from traditional internal combustion engine cars to an electric vehicle.
The Vatican City State has set an
ambitious goal of transitioning to an entirely electric vehicle fleet by 2030.
This initiative aligns with Pope Francis' strong advocacy for environmental
protection and his consistent warnings about the devastating consequences of
climate change.
The Pope traditionally uses the
papal vehicle for a weekly drive around St. Peter's Square, offering the public
a chance to see him. Papal vehicles are also essential for the Pope's
international travels. This practice was famously adopted by the late Pope John
Paul II, who continued these trips even after an assassination attempt in 1981.
The new papal electric vehicle is
a modified version of the off-road Mercedes G580. Its specially designed
transmission enables extended travel at lower speeds.
The Pope is seated in the rear
cargo area on a raised, rotating seat, allowing him to easily greet the crowds
in all directions. The vehicle also features a retractable roof for protection
during inclement weather.
The car's exterior is finished in
a distinctive "papal pearl white," while the interior features a rich
"cardinal red." Recognizing Pope Francis's advancing age and his
reliance on a wheelchair for most engagements, the vehicle incorporates a
reinforced entrance for easier access.
Although neither Mercedes nor the
Vatican has disclosed the vehicle's price, it is expected to be a substantial
investment. The base price for a comparable electric SUV typically starts at
around $150,000 or higher. This price range is atypical for Pope Francis, who,
unlike many of his predecessors, eschews luxury vehicles. The Argentine-born
Pope famously favored a nearly 30-year-old Renault 4 purchased from a used car
dealership. Notably, during a hospital visit last year, he arrived in a modest
Fiat.
In contrast, papal vehicles in
previous decades were considerably more opulent. Mercedes-Benz crafted the
inaugural papal limousine for the Vatican in 1930. Pope Pius XI's "Norburg
460" was equipped with a lavishly padded throne upholstered in silk. His
successors likewise favored luxurious vehicles, mirroring the transportation
choices of other world leaders.
The 1980s marked a turning point, with Pope John Paul II becoming the first pontiff to utilize a vehicle specifically designed for papal use. Since then, dozens of models have been produced by a wide range of manufacturers.
