Pope Francis has been given a new electric popemobile, equipped with a rotating heated seat and special places for the Swiss Guards to stand to protect the pontiff.

The all-white car, built by Mercedes-Benz and the first fully electric popemobile, is also  fitted with a heated handrail so the Pope, who turns 88 on Dec 17, can steady himself.

Its heated chair will ensure that he is kept warm when he is driven around St Peter’s Square on chilly winter days to greet Catholic pilgrims.

A retractable roof which will protect him from the elements, and the seat is raised so that crowds will have a better chance of seeing him as he drives by.