VW Secures Premier Electric-Vehicle Deal at Renowned Location

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In early October, Pope Francis issued a poignant warning regarding the state of the world’s environment, expressing deep concern in a 7,000-word document titled “Praise God.” The Pope highlighted the imminent threats posed by climate change, asserting that “the world in which we live is collapsing and may be nearing the breaking point.” Despite divisions within the Catholic Church on this issue, Francis emphasized the undeniable signs of climate change and sought to address dismissive opinions even within the Church.

The document, released on the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology, underscored the urgency of recognizing climate change as an undeniable reality. Pope Francis specifically criticized the U.S., noting that per-capita emissions there are disproportionately high compared to China and significantly exceed the average in poor countries.

In line with his environmental concerns, Pope Francis announced his intention to attend the COP28 conference on climate change in Dubai in early December. The international climate conference aligns with the Pope’s advocacy for environmental stewardship.

Furthermore, the Vatican has entered into a significant partnership with German carmaker Volkswagen AG to transition its auto fleet to electric vehicles (EVs). This initiative is part of the Vatican’s “Ecological Conversion 2030” plan, focusing on sustainable, carbon-neutral projects within the city-state. The Vatican plans to gradually replace its existing fleet with EVs by 2030, incorporating medium- and long-term leases with Volkswagen and its Skoda brand. The partnership designates Volkswagen as the Vatican’s primary strategic partner for the fleet renovation project.

This commitment extends beyond vehicle replacement, encompassing the expansion of charging stations, and a shift to sourcing energy exclusively from renewable sources. Notably, Pope Francis currently uses a Fiat for transportation within the Vatican.

The Vatican’s collaboration with Volkswagen aligns with broader efforts to promote sustainable practices and address the carbon footprint of its operations. Previous initiatives, such as the installation of solar panels in the main Vatican audience hall during Pope Benedict XVI’s tenure, reflect the Church’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship.

In a separate development, Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume expressed optimism about the possibility of introducing an electric car priced around $22,000 by the end of the decade. Blume emphasized the responsibility of the automotive industry to offer affordable electric vehicles, reaching a broader consumer base beyond early adopters.

As the Vatican takes steps toward environmental sustainability, these initiatives serve as a testament to the increasing importance of addressing climate change and embracing cleaner technologies on a global scale.