London:
Guess what the Vatican wants for Pope Benedict XVI? A solar-powered electric popemobile to promote his 'green' agenda.
The Pope would gladly use a solar-powered electric popemobile as another sign of his efforts to promote sustainable energy and take care of the planet, the Vatican said.
Popemobile is the informal name for the specially designed motor vehicles used by the Pope during outdoor public appearances.
However, the Vatican said such a vehicle has yet to be offered to the 83-year Germany-born Pope.
Cardinal Giovanni Lajolo, who runs the Vatican City state, said Benedict would certainly prefer a solar-powered electric popemobile to a traditional, petroleum-powered one given the priority he has given to making the Vatican a leader in green energy, the Daily Express reported.
Lajolo's comments came during a presentation of a book on the Vatican's ecological efforts: 'The Energy of the Sun in the Vatican'.
The book documents the installation of photovoltaic cells on the roof of the Vatican's main auditorium in 2008 and the 2009 installation of a solar cooling unit for its main cafeteria.
The technology has won awards and garnered Benedict a reputation as the "green pope".
The Germany-based firm SolarWorld, which provided the photovoltaic cells on the auditorium, said it has discussed the idea of providing the pope with a solar powered electric car.
SolarWorld marketing chief Milan Nitzschke said the main hurdle is to get the Vatican security apparatus to sign off on it, since some still have concerns -- unfounded, he said -- that electric cars don't accelerate as quickly as traditional ones.
"It's really no problem," he said, noting that electric cars can go from 0-100 kmph in three seconds.
"This is something we have to discuss with the people who are in charge of the security aspect, but of course this is possible and it would be a very, very huge symbol."
The Cardinal added: "If he's offered a functioning, efficient and appropriately sized popemobile, why not?"
When he is outside the Vatican, Benedict usually rides in a modified white Mercedes-Benz outfitted with bullet-proof windows. It has room for two passengers in addition to the pope, who sits on an elevated chair to wave to crowds.