While The Messiah arrived in a manger, the new Popemobile was delivered by company head Dieter Zetsche, who said "It is an honor for Mercedes-Benz to be accompanying His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI on his future journeys with our new Popemobile."
The new Popemobile is based on the latest M-Class, though the Pope's new SUV features reduced ride height to easier shipment of the vehicle, which happens frequently. The vehicle also features improved visibility and lighting for the Pontiff, which presumably went over well at the vehicle's public debut in Rome at this year's celebration of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Look closely, and you'll see Mercedes-Benz three-pointed stars hanging from lighting fixtures, too. This latest Popemobile continues the trend of Daimler supplying papal transport, a legacy that stretches back 80 years, so look for the Diamond White modified M-Class the next time you see the Holy See.
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