Pope Leo XIV is already making waves in the Vatican with his choice of transportation and his unmistakable Marian devotion. Rather than opting for a luxurious papal vehicle, the new Holy Father is cruising through the streets of Rome in a Volkswagen California hybrid, affectionately dubbed the “Green Popemobile.” This plug-in hybrid, which seats six but often carries the Pope in the front passenger seat, aligns with the Vatican’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship, drawing energy from solar power and emitting minimal emissions. Ashley Noronha notes that the vehicle was already in the Vatican garage, but the Pope’s decision to use it over more glamorous options is a clear signal of his humility and focus on caring for creation.

But it’s not just sustainability that’s capturing hearts — it’s also Pope Leo’s profound Marian devotion. Before his election, he displayed his love for Our Lady of Fatima in a powerful way. In 2019, then-Cardinal Prevost personally requested a statue of Our Lady of Fatima for his diocese in Chiclayo, Peru, and waited a year for it to arrive. He then led a grand public consecration of the diocese to her, mirroring the devotion seen in St. John Paul II, who credited Our Lady of Fatima with saving his life after the 1981 assassination attempt.

Ashley Noronha draws a striking comparison between the new Pope’s Marian heart and his commitment to simplicity, saying he is a leader who is both grounded and deeply spiritual. From choosing a modest vehicle to publicly honoring the Blessed Mother, Pope Leo XIV is making it clear that his papacy will blend humility, faithfulness, and a down-to-earth approach that resonates with people from all walks of life.