Mercedes-Benz, one of the most popular car brands in the world, was able to fulfil a "wish" of Pope Francis, just months before his tragic passing earlier today.
The leader of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis, passed away this morning in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta building at the age of 88.
The Pope had been dealing with bouts of ill health in recent months, including double pneumonia, which left him hospitalised for weeks earlier this year.
It comes less than 24 hours after the Pope made an appearance at the Vatican's St Peter's Square on Easter Sunday, where he was greeted by thousands of supporters.
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Pope Francis in the Popemobile on Easter Sunday, the day before his death
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During the visit, he was driven through the crowd in an electric Mercedes-Benz Popemobile before waving to the crowd from the balcony of St Peter's Basilica.
Speaking earlier this morning, His Eminence, Cardinal Farrell, announced the death of Pope Francis, who passed away at 7.35am local time.
He added: "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.
"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."
Pope Francis met with Mercedes chairman Ola Källenius outside St Peter's Basilica
MERCEDES-BENZ
The Popemobile has been designed to deal with slow speeds MERCEDES-BENZThe Pope was supplied with a new Popemobile in December last year, with Mercedes-Benz continuing an almost 100-year tradition with the Vatican.
Mercedes-Benz has been supplying cars to the Vatican for 94 years, with the G-Class acting as the vision for the Popemobile for the last 45 years.
The 2024 model was "developed in close cooperation with the Vatican specifically for the Pope's use" and is the first electric model for the Pontiff.
The electric drivetrain was specially adapted to deal with particularly low speeds used during public appearances.
Mercedes-Benz has been working with the Catholic church for almost 100 years MERCEDES-BENZMercedes-Benz said the G-Class Popemobile would be delivered in time for Pope Francis to use during the 2025 Jubilee - a time when millions of pilgrims are expected in Rome.
Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, responsible for Sales and Marketing design, said: "We build the perfect Mercedes for every customer - including, for almost 100 years, the Vatican.
"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. This cooperation at eye level honours us deeply and is a valuable symbol of sustainable change together."
Mercedes produced the first vehicle of this type for Pope Pius XI in 1930, which saw the head of the Catholic Church driven in a Nürburg 460 Pullman Saloon.
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The Pope was presented with the electric Popemobile in December
MERCEDES-BENZOla Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, said: "With the new Popemobile, Pope Francis is the first pope to be travelling in a fully electric Mercedes-Benz when making public appearances.
"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."
Källenius and other members of Mercedes-Benz met with Pope Francis outside St Peter's Basilica to present the Pointiff with the new Popemobile.
