Mercedes-Benz Presents Pope Francis With New Modified G-Wagon ‘Popemobile’

The fully electric, white SUV is emblazoned with Francis’ coat of arms and has black detailing and chrome rims.

Pope Francis is shown the new popemobile, an electric Mercedes, on Dec. 4, 2024, at the Vatican.
Pope Francis is shown the new popemobile, an electric Mercedes, on Dec. 4, 2024, at the Vatican. (photo: Vatican Media)

Pope Francis was handed the key to a new Mercedes-Benz “popemobile” on Wednesday by the CEO of the German luxury car brand.

Ola Källenius, the CEO of Mercedes-Benz, presented the Pope with a white and chrome key fob inside a white box after showing off the new open-air vehicle in a parking lot inside Vatican City on Dec. 4.

Pope Francis is presented with the key to the new popemobile, an electric Mercedes, on Dec. 4, 2024, at the Vatican. Credit: Vatican Media

Pope Francis is presented with the key to the new popemobile, an electric Mercedes, on Dec. 4, 2024, at the Vatican. | Vatican Media

The modified G-Wagon features a rotating heated seat and a heated hand rail to keep the Pope warm while greeting pilgrims during winter rides around St. Peter’s Square.

Pope Francis is shown the new popemobile, an electric Mercedes, on Dec. 4, 2024, at the Vatican. Credit: Vatican Media

Pope Francis is shown the new popemobile | Vatican Media

The fully electric, white SUV is emblazoned with Francis’ coat of arms, has black detailing, and has chrome rims. Two small Holy See flags wave from the front hood.

The license plate of the papal ride is “SCV 1,” which is the Italian acronym for Vatican City State.

Mercedes-Benz has provided vehicles for the Vatican for 94 years. During the last 45 years, the pope has used “popemobiles” based on the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. 

Pope Francis is shown the new popemobile, an electric Mercedes, on Dec. 4, 2024, at the Vatican. Credit: Vatican Media

Vatican Media

“With the new popemobile, Pope Francis is the first pontiff to travel in an all-electric Mercedes-Benz during his public appearances. This is a great honor for our company and I would like to thank His Holiness for his trust,” Källenius said in a Dec. 4 press release.

Pope Francis has been using full or partially electric cars for several years. In 2023, the Vatican also announced a partnership with auto manufacturer Volkswagen to introduce an all-electric, zero-impact car fleet in the Vatican by 2030.

Karl Geiger, “Via Crucis,” 1876, St. Johann der Evangelist

The Lord Has Need of It

‘The Lord has need of it’ — a small detail in the Passion narrative that reveals the boundless humility of our Savior and his longing for union with us.

Karl Geiger, “Via Crucis,” 1876, St. Johann der Evangelist

The Lord Has Need of It

‘The Lord has need of it’ — a small detail in the Passion narrative that reveals the boundless humility of our Savior and his longing for union with us.