New Pope Supports EVs, Using All-Electric Popemobile

In a historic moment for the Roman Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago was elected on May 8, 2025, as the 267th pope, taking the name Leo XIV. This marks the first time in history that the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics are being led by a pope born in the United States — a development that signals both a departure from tradition and a recognition of the Church’s increasingly global identity.

At 69, Pope Leo XIV brings a unique combination of American roots, deep missionary experience, and international perspective to the papacy. Though he was born and raised in Chicago, his decades of service in Peru, where he served as bishop of Chiclayo, have profoundly shaped his pastoral outlook. He also led the Dicastery for Bishops, one of the most influential offices in the Vatican, overseeing the global appointment of bishops.

Despite his American birth, Pope Leo’s identity transcends national boundaries. He holds Peruvian, American, and Vatican passports, and his first public address as pope made that cosmopolitan identity clear. Standing on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, he addressed the jubilant crowd not in English, but in Spanish and Italian, offering brief but heartfelt thanks to the people of Chiclayo — the Peruvian city he once called home.

In his speech, Pope Leo invoked the memory of his predecessor, Pope Francis, honoring his final Easter blessing and his legacy of humility and courage. “We still hold in our ears that weak yet ever courageous voice of Pope Francis as he blessed Rome — the pope who blessed Rome, who gave his blessing to the world, to the whole world,” he said, his voice steady with reverence.

Pope Leo XIV is fluent in English, Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese, and able to read Latin and German, and is well versed in matters of faith and global justice. He is known for his work with the Augustinian order, and has spoken previously in favor of clean energy and electric vehicles, signaling a likely continuation of Pope Francis’ impressive environmental agenda, in the face of global climate change dangers.

As the Church enters this new era under Leo XIV, many are watching with hopeful anticipation. His deep spiritual grounding, international ministry, and forward-thinking, progressive views mark a pivotal moment for the Catholic Church — one rooted in tradition, but looking boldly to the future, at a time when more progressive leaders around the world are desperately needed, due to the current sad state of American politics.

First Electric “Popemobile” from Mercedes-Benz

For nearly a century, Mercedes-Benz has been the Vatican’s trusted automotive partner. In December 2024, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the first-ever fully electric Popemobile, based on the iconic G-Class G580 with EQ Technology, marking a historic moment in both automotive innovation and the Church’s embrace of sustainability.

This fully electric Popemobile is not just a symbol of prestige but one of progress — designed specifically for the slow, ceremonial journeys of the pontiff. The electric drivetrain, boasting four near-wheel motors, has been customized to provide smooth, precise movement during public appearances, allowing Pope Leo XIV to engage more directly with the faithful.

In this photo, the previous pope, Pope Francis, was seen in the Mercedes EV Popemobile in December 2024 in Corsica, an island in the Mediterranean Sea, located southeast of mainland France and west of Italy.

The Popemobile’s Unique Design

Inside, the electric Popemobile’s changes are as purposeful as they are elegant. The traditional rear bench has been replaced by a centrally positioned, height-adjustable, and swiveling main seat, enabling the pope to face and bless crowds from multiple angles. Behind him, two additional single seats allow for select companions or clergy to accompany him on processions.

Design-wise, the modifications continue the long-standing tradition of bespoke craftsmanship. The roof was removed at the B-pillar, with the B-pillar itself reimagined to flow seamlessly into the side paneling, creating a unique side profile instantly recognizable in any crowd. For rainy days, a custom hardtop provides weather protection without compromising visibility. In a nod to classic coachbuilding, the left rear door was entirely rebuilt as a single welded piece, while the right rear door’s hinges were repositioned to maintain accessibility.

The exterior features the timeless pearl white finish, maintaining continuity with past Popemobiles and reflecting the papal color scheme. While cutting-edge in engineering, the vehicle is deeply rooted in history. It continues a relationship that began in 1930, when Pope Pius XI was presented with a Mercedes-Benz Nürburg 460 Pullman Saloon, the first official papal car of its kind.

Over the decades, popes have ridden in some of Mercedes-Benz’s most distinguished creations — from the 300 Landaulet of Pope John XXIII to John Paul II’s famed G-Class Popemobile introduced in the 1980s. In recent years, models based on the M-Class and GLE added comfort and protection, with many of these now on display in the Vatican and Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart.

But 2024’s debut of the all-electric G580 Popemobile is more than an upgrade — it’s a clear statement from the Vatican that it supported EVs and clean energy under Pope Francis, the previous pope. This admirable forward-thinking attitude will continue with Pope Leo XIV, who has spoken publicly in support of clean energy and sustainability. With zero CO₂ emissions, energy consumption of 30.4–27.7 kWh/100 km, and a CO₂ class of A, the Popemobile not only sets a new standard for ecclesiastical transport but aligns perfectly with a growing moral call to care for creation and protect the planet.

As the Church looks ahead under the guidance of its first American-born pope, the all-electric Popemobile stands as a symbol of both tradition and transformation.