Pope Francis, during his recent visit to Singapore, was seen waving from an unconventional vehicle for a head of state: the Hyundai Ioniq 5. The 87-year-old pontiff, known for his preference to interact closely with the public, required a car that would allow him to sit comfortably in the front passenger seat while waving to well-wishers. The choice of the Ioniq 5, an electric vehicle manufactured in Singapore, was influenced by the Pope’s environmental advocacy and the need for a locally-associated car.
Background
Initially, a local Catholic parishioner volunteered an MPV to ferry Pope Francis. However, due to the Pope’s mobility concerns and the difference in driving sides between Singapore and Europe, organisers decided to source a second vehicle. The Hyundai Ioniq 5, produced at the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Centre in Jurong, was chosen for its environmental credentials and local significance.
Made (greener) in Singapore
The decision to use an electric vehicle aligns with Pope Francis’s encyclical “Laudato Si”, which calls for care for the environment. Kevin Ho, co-chair of the Pope Francis Singapore 2024 Organising Committee, highlighted the importance of selecting a car that reflected these values. The Ioniq 5, the first electric vehicle manufactured in Singapore, met these criteria. Paul Byun, Head of Business Cooperation at Hyundai, noted that the factory aimed to reduce carbon emissions and develop new manufacturing technologies, making the car emblematic of the Pope’s values.
Similar to Pope’s own car
The Vatican team quickly warmed to the idea of using the Ioniq 5, noting its similarity to the Pope’s own Fiat 500. Kevin Ho recounted that the Pope’s driver and security officer believed the Pope would endure any discomfort to be closer to the faithful. This sentiment was confirmed when the Pope used the car without issue during his visit.
Not the PopeMobile
The Ioniq 5 should not be confused with the “PopeMobile”, which is typically used for mass gatherings. During his visit, Pope Francis used a white golf buggy adorned with Vatican symbols for events like the Mass at the National Stadium and the Community Welcome along Jurassic Mile. This buggy, sourced from Jebsen and Jesson, was chosen for its practicality and was thoroughly cleaned for the occasion.
There’s your car dude
Hyundai has donated the Ioniq 5 to the Roman Catholic Church in Singapore to commemorate the Papal visit. Sophia Ibrahim, Hyundai’s Strategic Partnerships Manager, mentioned that the car might be preserved in a heritage centre, alongside other mementoes and artefacts from the visit. The Church is considering turning the Papal residence into a heritage centre, where the car could serve as a lasting reminder of this significant event.
Pope Francis’s visit to Southeast Asia included stops in Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, East Timor, and concluded in Singapore on September 13.
