Pininfarina's special gift to Pope Francis is called 'Orbis'
The sculpture, delivered on the occasion of 'From 100 to 5%', is a symbol of sustainability and harmony
Global warming, pollution and the commitment to a better and more sustainable future are topics that Pope Francis holds close to his heart. In 2015, a few months before COP 21 in Paris, he wrote the encyclical 'Laudato sì' and more recently, in the apostolic exhortation 'Laudate Deum' of 2023, he returned to talk about the Planet and its interconnectedness with humanity, reiterating, as in many other speeches, the urgency of a common commitment to a sustainable tomorrow.
These values have taken shape in a unique and symbolic object called 'Orbis'. It is a special gift made by Pininfarina that was presented recently to His Holiness Pope Francis during a Wednesday audience at the Vatican by Pininfarina's Vice-President and CEO, Silvio Pietro Angori.
The delivery of "Orbis" is part of a context of great significance, anticipating the fifth edition of "From 100 to 5%", the largest European comparative test dedicated to the efficiency of electric cars, organised by Motor1.com and InsideEVs.
The 'circle' of life
During today's papal audience, a delegation of representatives from the automotive industry had the opportunity to meet the Holy Father, underlining their shared commitment to the ecological transition. 'Orbis', which means 'circle' or 'world' in Latin, is a tribute to planet Earth and circularity as a pivotal principle in facing the challenges of transition.
Pininfarina delivers 'Orbis' to Pope Francis
In the design of this object, Pininfarina wanted to embody the dialogue between technology and nature: a perfect circle on the outside symbolises harmony and unity, while the dynamic, interwoven inner surfaces represent the creative tension needed to build a sustainable future.
Pininfarina Orbis
"This object is not just a gift to the Holy Father, but an invitation to all of us to work together for a more sustainable world," said Silvio Pietro Angori. "At Pininfarina we believe that design can be a powerful tool to inspire change, a bridge between innovation and responsibility.
A team effort
"The transition towards sustainable mobility is a technological challenge but, above all, it is a cultural transformation that involves us all," added Angori. "Events such as 'From 100 to 5%' and symbolic gestures such as 'Orbis' are fundamental for raising public awareness and nurturing confidence in a future in which innovation and sustainability can coexist.
"From 100% to 5%" 2025
The comparative test 'From 100% to 5%', which started in St. Peter's Square, symbol of the Jubilee 2025, aims to highlight the consumption and efficiency performance of electric cars that have just been launched on the market. The results will be announced in February, so keep following us to find out how it went.
The Pope:
Gallery: Pininfarina Orbis
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