Mercedes-Benz has supplied the Vatican with an all-electric ‘Popemobile’ in time for the 2025 Jubilee.

The premium carmaker has been supplying cars to the Vatican for 94 years and for the past 45 years, the Pope has been using the renowned ‘Popemobiles’ based on the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

In a milestone for both parties, the Popemobile from Mercedes-Benz is now going all-electric.

The vehicle was handed over by Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius and the team members involved and will enable the Pope to travel locally emission-free in time for the 2025 Jubilee – an event that only takes place every 25 years and one for which millions of pilgrims are expected in Rome.

The vehicle was developed in close cooperation with the Vatican specifically for the Pope’s use. Its electric drivetrain was adapted to the particularly low speeds required for public appearances. In the rear, the bench seat was replaced by a centrally positioned and height-adjustable single seat. This swivelling main seat makes it possible to move around flexibly and address an audience from different angles. Behind the single seat, two single seats have been integrated on the left and right for additional passengers.

As with the previous Popemobiles, the vehicle is painted in classic pearl white on the outside.

The Vatican previously pledged to go all-electric by 2030 and has already taken delivery of a number of Volkswagen EVs.

In 2023, Pope Francis warned that the world is “collapsing” due to climate change and may be “nearing breaking point”.

In his ‘Laudate Deum’ apostolic exhortation, the Pope defended climate change activists, highlighted the emissions impact from richer nations and said: “What is being asked of us is nothing other than a certain responsibility for the legacy we will leave behind, once we pass from this world.”

The first vehicle manufactured by Mercedes-Benz for the Catholic Church was a Nürburg 460 Pullman Saloon for Pope Pius XI from 1930.

Gorden Wagener, chief design officer Mercedes-Benz Group AG, said: “The G-Class is one of Mercedes-Benz’s most iconic vehicles and we are proud that we can develop vehicles for the Holy Father in this tradition. The first all-electric G-Class combines sustainability, elegant design and maximum functionality. It is a great honour for us to be able to present this special vehicle to Pope Francis today.”