The Catholic Church, with its centuries of traditions, isn't exactly known as a bastion of progressive thought, which is why this news took so many people by surprise.
The Pope is going electric.
The new all-electric Popemobile comes courtesy of Mercedes-Benz, which custom rigged the open-topped vehicle that Pope Francis uses to greet parisionshers and attend public functions.
Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kallenius hand delivered the new ride to the Pope on Wednesday at the Vatican.
"With the new Popemobile, Pope Francis is the first pope to be traveling in a fully electric Mercedes-Benz when making public appearances," Kallenius said in a statement. "This is a special honor for our company, and I would like to thank His Holiness for his trust."
CBS News reported the vehicle is a modified version of the G-class mid-size luxury SUV. The Pope's ride comes in classic pearl-white, and was developed with the Vatican to be tailored to the needs of the pope, who has used a wheelchair since 2022.
"The engine has been particularly adapted for low speeds; the seat has been heated and elevated for better visibility; and a grab bar provides stability when the Pope is standing," CBS reported.
"Every detail is perfection," Kallenius told Reuters. It took "hundreds of hours of craftsmanship ... to build a one-of-a-kind popemobile," he said.