Pope receives pair of electric cars from maker Renault

(Vatican Radio) Pope Benedict XVI received a pair of electric cars from the auto maker Renault on Wednesday. A release from the Press Office of the Holy See on Thursday explains that both vehicles are completely electric, and have been built with the specific transportation needs of the Holy Father in mind.

According to the press release, one vehicle – a white Renault based on the design of the car maker’s Kangoo Maxi Z.E. model, with the Papal Seal emblazoned on its doors – is to serve the Holy Father as an “ecological, sustainable version of the ‘Popemobile’,” inside the Vatican and on the grounds of the Papal retreat at Castel Gandolfo. The other, a blue model with white and gold striping, is to be used by the Papal gendarmes in their security service to the Holy Father.

Throughout his pontificate, Pope Benedict has been very attentive to environmental issues, and has repeatedly stressed the need for sustainable development that pursues the preservation of creation.

The press release goes on to explain that the Renault group, in making this gift to Pope Benedict, is trying to place its experience as a leading automobile manufacturer in the field of electric vehicles, in support of the Vatican’s own environmental regulations and guidelines for achieving sustainability.