Pope Francis will soon be riding in a new popemobile that is not only electric, but is also built with materials that respect the environment.
The car will be manufactured in the United States, by Fisker Inc. based in Los Angeles. After meeting with Pope Francis, Fisker’s CEO, Henrik Fisker, shared: “I got inspired reading that Pope Francis is very considerate about the environment and the impact of climate change for future generations.”
In keeping with the pontiff’s desire to encourage us all to be responsible stewards of God’s creation, the car will include various sustainable features.
The modified version of the Fisker Ocean SUV will have a glass cupola that is fully retractable, the interior carpets will be made from bottles found in the ocean that were then recycled, and it will also boost a solar roof.
As the Hinhustan Times points out though, this will not be the first vehicle like this to be used by the pope. In 2020, the Japanese car manufacturer, Toyota, sent him a hydrogen-powered Toyota Mirai sedan.
However, those wanting to catch a glimpse of Pope Francis in his new popemobile will have to wait until its expected delivery in 2022.
Hopefully the example of the head of the Catholic Church will encourage others to pay more attention to the environment when it comes to choosing a new vehicle, and in their daily decisions.