It includes Pope Francis’ vehicles, as well as official vehicles for high-ranking priests, building maintenance and garden management, and delivery cars. German carmaker Volkswagen will replace the Vatican’s electric vehicles.The Vatican announced that it would receive electric vehicles from Volkswagen sequentially and introduce them. Two electric vehicles were received on the same day, and 40 more will be introduced next year. The Vatican will rent these vehicles for a mid- to long-term period, but no details of the contract have been disclosed.
As a result, Pope Francis’ car is expected to be replaced by a Volkswagen electric car. Unlike former Pope Francis, who preferred large, fuel-intensive bulletproof limousines, Pope Francis has used semi-medium and small vehicles. The subcompact Ford Focus of the U.S. automobile manufacturer Ford and the 500L white model of Italy’s national car Fiat are known to be the vehicles that Pope Francis has been driving so far.However, it is unclear whether the Papamoville (Pope-only car) used by the Pope to meet with believers in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican will be replaced. The Papamobile is a specially designed vehicle that allows the crowd to get a better view of the Pope. Currently, the vehicle provided by Mercedes-Benz is being used as a Papamobile.
Pope-only car ‘Papamobile’ specially designed for meeting crowds. It is currently using vehicles provided by Mercedes Benz. This electric vehicle contract was carried out as part of the Vatican’s carbon neutrality plan, Ecological Conversion 2030.Pope Francis has shown interest in protecting the environment and preventing climate change. In June 2015, he emphasized that humanity should actively respond to climate change by shedding technological omnipotence and anthropocentrism through an enforcement rule titled “Praise.” At that time, it received great attention because it was the first “environmental rule” in Catholic history. In addition, he will be the first pope to attend the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), which will open in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, on the 30th.”Vatican is committed to finding innovative and sustainable solutions to protect the planet,” Volkswagen said. “We are delighted to support the Vatican in this important project,” said Christian Dalheim, chairman of the Volkswagen Financial Services Board. “This is very special for us and shows that we are absolutely competitive in the mobility industry.”
EJ SONG
US ASIA JOURNAL
