Even the Pope Thinks of the Environment and Drives an 'Electric Car'... The Company Chosen by the Vatican

Volkswagen Enters Vatican... 40 Units Scheduled for Distribution Next Year
Part of the Holy See's Carbon Neutrality Plan

The Vatican has announced that it will replace all official vehicles with electric cars by 2030. The German automaker Volkswagen is set to carry out the Vatican's electric vehicle transition.

Two electric vehicles preferentially provided by Volkswagen to the Vatican.
[Photo by Volkswagen]

On the 15th, local media reported that the Vatican is gradually receiving electric vehicles from Volkswagen for introduction. The Vatican has already received two electric cars from Volkswagen and plans to acquire an additional 40 vehicles next year.

The Vatican stated that it intends to lease Volkswagen vehicles on a medium- to long-term basis. Detailed contract terms related to this arrangement have not been disclosed to the public.

Accordingly, Pope Francis's vehicle is also expected to be replaced with a Volkswagen electric car. However, it remains uncertain whether the ceremonial vehicle 'Popemobile'?used by the Pope when meeting the faithful at St. Peter's Square in the Vatican?will be replaced as well. The Popemobile is a specially designed vehicle that allows crowds to see the Pope more clearly, and currently, a vehicle provided by Mercedes-Benz is used as the Popemobile.

This electric vehicle contract is part of the Vatican's carbon neutrality plan, 'Ecological Conversion 2030.'

Previously, Pope Francis has shown interest in environmental protection and combating climate change. In June 2015, through an encyclical titled 'Laudato Si',' he emphasized that humanity must move beyond technocracy and anthropocentrism and actively respond to climate change.

Additionally, he is scheduled to attend the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP28), which will open on the 30th in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking the first time a Pope has participated in this event.

Volkswagen stated, "The Vatican is committed to finding innovative and sustainable solutions to protect the Earth." Christian Dahlheim, Chairman of the Board of Volkswagen Financial Services, said, "We are pleased to support the Vatican in this important project. It is very special to us and demonstrates our absolute competitiveness in the mobility industry."

Meanwhile, Pope Francis has so far used subcompact and compact vehicles. It is known that he has driven models such as the subcompact Ford Focus from the American automaker Ford and the white 500L from Italy’s popular car brand Fiat.