Alessia Giuliani/Catholic Press via Vatican Pool/Getty Images
The day before Pope Francis died, he took one last ride in his popemobile. Pope Leo XIV could be the next to use it.
The custom Mercedes-Benz G-class electric vehicle was designed to transport Francis around Vatican City emission-free as part of his commitment to environmental justice.
“With this popemobile, we are also sending out a clear call for electromobility and decarbonization,” Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius said in a statement in December 2024, when he delivered the car to Pope Francis.
Mercedes-Benz has a long history of providing cars for the papacy, dating back to a Nürburg 460 Pullman Saloon for Pope Pius XI in 1930.
Take a look at the most recent version of the popemobile.
Mercedes-Benz designed its first-ever electric popemobile for sustainable, emission-free travel in Vatican City.
Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty Images
The Mercedes-Benz CEO personally delivered the new popemobile to Francis in December. Källenius and other Mercedes-Benz employees who were involved in developing and producing the vehicle also received a private audience with the then-pope.
The vehicle took about one year to manufacture and cost an estimated $500,000.
Alessia Giuliani/Catholic Press via Vatican Pool/Getty Images
The open-top G580 features four motors optimized for driving slowly through large crowds for public appearances.
The car’s exterior and interior are furnished in white, the color traditionally worn by the pope.
Mercedes-Benz
The dashboard features a digital display.
The back of the popemobile features red carpeting and white seating for the pope and other passengers.
Mercedes-Benz
The pope’s large seat in the center can be adjusted to different heights and swivels around.
The license plate reads SCV 1, which stands for “Stato della Città del Vaticano” or “State of Vatican City.”
Victor LOCHON/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images
The car also flies the yellow and white flags of Vatican City.
On some trips, the popemobile includes a bulletproof glass canopy.
Victor LOCHON/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images
The sides of the popemobile remain open, allowing the pope to greet members of the public and offer blessings.
Francis rode in the popemobile on Easter Sunday, one day before he died.
Guglielmo Mangiapane/REUTERS
Pope Francis died on April 21 at the age of 88.
Pope Leo XIV has not confirmed that he will continue to use the latest popemobile — he may choose another vehicle from the Vatican’s extensive fleet.
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