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🇫🇷 France /Culture & Society

Pope Leo XIV previews Ferrari's first electric supercar, the Luce

From Le Figaro · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Pope Leo XIV received an exclusive preview of the Ferrari Luce, the Italian luxury carmaker's first all-electric supercar.
  • The Luce, expected to cost around 550,000 euros, boasts over 1000 horsepower from four electric motors and a range of 530 km.
  • This event echoes a 1988 visit by Pope John Paul II, who rode in a Ferrari Mondial 8, marking a new chapter for the brand with its electric debut.

Pope Leo XIV has been given a special preview of the Ferrari Luce, the marque's first all-electric supercar, ahead of its market launch. Ferrari Chairman John Elkann and other executives unveiled the vehicle to the pontiff.

Pope Leo XIV had an exclusive preview of the Ferrari Luce, the first 100% electric supercar from the Maranello manufacturer, before its sale announced at around 550,000 euros.

— Article TextIntroduction of the event

The Pope sat behind the wheel, receiving explanations on the controls and driving modes from test driver Raffaele De Simone. Photos from the event show him holding a Ferrari steering wheel and posing with engineers and technicians.

Pope Leo XIV had an exclusive preview of the Ferrari Luce, the first 100% electric supercar from the Maranello manufacturer, before its sale announced at around 550,000 euros.

— Article TextRepetition for emphasis

This is not the first time a pope has experienced a Ferrari. In 1988, Pope John Paul II visited the Maranello factory and later rode in a red Mondial 8 convertible to a mass. The current event with the Luce signifies a significant shift for Ferrari, replacing its traditional V8 engine with four electric motors delivering over 1000 horsepower. The electric supercar offers a 530 km range and an 800 V charging system capable of up to 350 kW. The interior design, developed by former Apple designer Jony Ive, features a minimalist aesthetic.

It is not the first time a pope has taken a seat in a Ferrari.

— Article TextHistorical context
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Le Figaro in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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