Pope Léon XIV will travel through Paris in a high-tech, emission-free Mercedes-Benz vehicle valued at over 200,000 euros, a stark contrast to the more modest Isuzu D-Max he will use in Lourdes. These two papamobiles mark a significant departure from the vehicles used by previous popes in France. The Parisian model is a custom-built, silent 4x4 designed specifically for the city’s streets. It will be used during the pope’s first walk in Paris on Friday, September 25, between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. This vehicle, delivered to the Vatican at the end of 2024 by Mercedes-Benz, is an all-electric version of the iconic Classe G, making it the first of its kind to drive through the French capital. The route, spanning 2.5 kilometers from the church of Notre-Dame-des-Champs to the Place Saint-Michel, will be free of both pollution and engine noise, allowing the pope to connect with the faithful in a peaceful environment. The base model of this custom papamobile, the Mercedes Classe G 580 EQ, starts at nearly 175,000 euros, but the modifications—including the removal of the body, structural reinforcement, and specialized rear suspension—have significantly increased its cost. The vehicle is powered by an 116 kWh battery, offering up to 473 kilometers of range, which is more than enough for the pope’s official engagements, especially given the low energy consumption at slow speeds. The interior has been adapted to meet the needs of papal ceremonies. The central seat, raised and swiveling, allows the pope to greet the crowd from all sides, while two additional seats in the rear accommodate security personnel. The car also features a foldable roof to promote public interaction, with the option to remove it in case of bad weather. The Vatican’s logistics team has meticulously planned the pope’s journey, ensuring that both papamobiles arrive at their destinations in time for their respective events. In Lourdes, the pope will use a simpler Isuzu D-Max utility vehicle, a far cry from the high-powered, luxury Mercedes used in Paris. This choice reflects the Vatican’s tradition of austerity during certain international visits, such as those to Kenya and Mozambique in previous years. The Isuzu, though less technologically advanced, serves as a practical and versatile backup. Meanwhile, the Mercedes-Benz will continue its journey to Metz after the Paris event, completing the pope’s French itinerary, which includes a mass on the Champs-Élysées and planned stops in Lourdes and Metz, concluding on Sunday, September 28.