The death of Pope Francis shocked everyone, both believers and the general public, who have been interested in the changes that the Catholic Church had with his papacy, being one of the most prominent, his adoption of a completely electric papamobile.
This vehicle was presented at the end of 2024 and served as a means of transport during its last public appearances, including the opening of the 2025 jubilee.
Likewise, the introduction of the electric papamóvil not only meant a transition to a greener future, but also represented a step forward in the integration of friendly technologies in the religious level, as seen in other sectors. For this reason, The characteristics and technology of this car are analyzed.
The electric papamóvil used by Pope Francis is based on Mercedes-Benz G 580 model, but with an essential modification: its propulsion system is completely electric.
This vehicle was presented at the end of 2024, allowing the Pope to move without generating local emissions. The choice of a Mercedes-Benz model is not accidental, since the German brand has been the historical provider of vehicles for the Vatican.
The electrical adaptation of G 580 was developed in collaboration with Vatican expertscomplying with the specific requirements for papal use, which began 94 years ago with the delivery of a vehicle for Pope Pius XI.
The electric car is equipped with an electric motor train that takes advantage of the advantages of four electric motors, one for each wheel.
This configuration allows precise control and high maneuverabilitywhich was key during the Pope’s appearances in public events, where the vehicle must advance at low speeds in the midst of large crowds.
-For this reason, This type of propulsion is ideal for slow displacementsin addition to contributing to the fulfillment of the environmental standards of the Vatican.
Thanks to this technology, the Papamóvil is not only completely silent, but also eliminates local emissions, aligning with the principles of environmental sustainability that are a trend in modern society.
To guarantee the comfort and safety of Pope Francis, The Papamobo was adapted with several personalized details. The seat, instead of being a common one, was replaced by a central individual seat, adjustable in height and rotating, allowing the Pope to move and address the public from different angles.
In addition, vehicle design allowed the installation of an independent rigid roof to be possible, which provides protection in case of rain or bad weather, ensuring that climatic conditions did not interfere with public appearances.
These modifications were designed to offer maximum comfort in diverse situations, as is characteristic of papamobiles who have transported the pontiffs over the years.
The body of the electric papamobwho maintained the artisanal manufacturing tradition, with meticulous detail attention.
An important change was the modification of the rear doors. The left rear was disassembled and rebuilt, following the traditional style of the body. This type of adaptations, made by specialists, reflect not only the functionality, but the symbolic relevance of this vehicle for the Pope and the Vatican.
As is tradition in Papamóviles, the vehicle was painted in white pearl, with the emblems of the Vatican State and the emblematic SCV 1 plate, “Stato Della Città del Vaticano.”
