The world mourns the passing of Pope Francis, who died this morning at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta at the age of 88. The leader of the Catholic Church had been battling health challenges, including a serious bout of double pneumonia that necessitated hospitalization earlier in the year.
Just days before his death, Pope Francis made a poignant appearance in St Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday, greeted by thousands of devoted followers. During this visit, he was transported through the square in a specially designed Mercedes-Benz Popemobile – a gesture that fulfilled a significant personal request.
“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised,” stated Cardinal Farrell during his announcement of the Pope’s passing. “With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”
The relationship between Mercedes-Benz and the Vatican spans nearly a century. The automotive manufacturer has provided vehicles to the Holy See for 94 years, establishing a legacy deeply rooted in papal transportation. Notably, the iconic G-Class has served as the blueprint for the Popemobile design for the past four decades.
The 2024 model, unveiled last December and crafted through close collaboration with Vatican authorities, represents a groundbreaking innovation: an all-electric Popemobile tailored specifically for Pope Francis. This marks the first electric vehicle supplied to the Pontiff for public appearances. The drivetrain was engineered to accommodate the low speeds frequently encountered during papal journeys.
“We build the perfect Mercedes for every customer – including, for almost 100 years, the Vatican,” remarked Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management at Mercedes-Benz Group AG. “We are overjoyed to be able to fulfil the Holy Father’s wish for an electric Popemobile and are particularly proud to be able to build the vehicle according to his requirements.”
The tradition began in 1930, when Mercedes provided Pope Pius XI with a Nürburg 460 Pullman Saloon. Looking ahead, the new Popemobile is slated for delivery in time for Pope Francis to utilize it during the 2025 Jubilee – an anticipated event drawing millions of pilgrims to Rome.
Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management at Mercedes-Benz Group AG, emphasized the significance of this moment: “With the new Popemobile, Pope Francis is the first pope to be travelling in a fully electric Mercedes-Benz when making public appearances.” He continued, “This is a special honour for our company, and I would like to thank His Holiness for his trust. With this Popemobile, we are also sending out a clear call for electromobility and decarbonisation.”
Following the announcement, Mercedes-Benz executives personally presented Pope Francis with the new vehicle outside St Peter’s Basilica – a final act of respect and collaboration marking a historic partnership.
