Police protecting Pope John Paul II on Friday began using new Lamborghini cars to patrol the Vatican's St Peter's Square over the Christmas period.
Any thoughts they might have had of cruising around in one of Italy's most luxurious sports cars ended quickly however as officials unveiled the golf-cart style "Lamborghini street model" powered by electric batteries.
"It will make it quicker for us to move around and more rapid in possible pursuit situations, but it's also more functional for personnel, who won't have to stand in the rain or take 25 minutes to do a round of the square," said police inspector Salvatore Festa.
"Apart from that the car is very visible among the crowds, and that's a great deterrent for villains," said Festa, the head of the Italian police unit guarding the square, which is a magnet for pilgrims and ordinary tourists.
The prestige sports-car maker earlier this year donated a growling 310 km/h (190 mph) -capable Lamborghini Gallardo to the police to help them patrol Italy's notoriously fast autostradas.
The modest and silent Vatican model has a top speed of 40 km/h with a battery range of 80 kilometres.
Meanwhile, the 84-year-old pontiff was preparing to celebrate the 27th annual midnight mass of his pontificate at which he is expected to renew his call for world peace.
{{/usCountry}}Meanwhile, the 84-year-old pontiff was preparing to celebrate the 27th annual midnight mass of his pontificate at which he is expected to renew his call for world peace.
{{/usCountry}}The annual mass in St Peter's basilica, one of the high-points of the Christian calendar, will be broadcast live to 72 countries, Vatican officials sad.