Pope Leo XIV has drawn attention after receiving a ceremonial steering wheel from the Italian automotive brand Ferrari, marking the presentation of its first fully electric concept model, reportedly named Ferrari Luce.

The symbolic gesture took place during a private Vatican audience focused on sustainability, innovation, and the future of mobility. Company representatives presented the steering wheel as a tribute piece, highlighting the brand’s shift toward electric technology and reduced environmental impact.

According to those familiar with the meeting, the Pope expressed interest in the ethical dimensions of technological progress, including how innovation can serve the common good and protect creation. He emphasized that advances in industry should be guided not only by performance and design, but also by responsibility toward future generations.

The Ferrari Luce project has been described as a milestone for the Italian luxury automaker, traditionally known for high-performance combustion engines. The move toward full electrification reflects broader changes in the global automotive sector as manufacturers respond to environmental regulations and shifting consumer demand.

Vatican observers note that while the presentation was largely symbolic, it reflects an ongoing dialogue between the Church and global industries about sustainability and the moral implications of technological change.

The unusual image of a papal audience involving a steering wheel has sparked widespread online discussion, blending themes of tradition and modernity in a way that many see as emblematic of the evolving relationship between faith and innovation in the 21st century.