Ford Motor Company has once again demonstrated its craftsmanship and community pride by producing a bespoke Ford Explorer for Pope Leo XIV, the first pontiff born in the United States (US).
The one‑off 2026 Explorer Platinum hybrid was meticulously assembled at Ford’s century‑old Chicago Assembly Plant, located just a few miles from the Pope’s childhood home in Dolton, Illinois.
The idea for the custom vehicle began with Ford CEO Jim Farley and his wife, Lia, who personally funded and delivered the SUV during a private audience at the Vatican in late February. Farley emphasised that the gesture stemmed from the Pope’s deep South Side Chicago roots and the desire to honour his remarkable journey from local parish priest to global spiritual leader.
Dozens of Ford employees collaborated on the secretive project, initially told only that they were building a vehicle for an unspecified “VIP.” Their efforts produced a unique Explorer adorned with tributes to both Chicago and Vatican City. Among the custom touches are Chicago flag seat tags, a skyline embroidered across the centre console, and detailed engravings of the Chicago skyline alongside St Peter’s Basilica on the scuff plates. Vanity plates reading “DA POPE” and “LEO XIV” underscore the personalised nature of the gift.
Technically, the SUV features a 3.3‑litre V6 hybrid powertrain paired with a 10‑speed hybrid transmission, along with a European‑compatible antenna, essential for use within the Vatican grounds. These enhancements ensure smooth, practical transportation for the pontiff as he moves around the compact city‑state.
During the handover, Pope Leo XIV reportedly appreciated the thoughtful Chicago‑to‑Vatican details, even taking the vehicle for a brief test drive. The moment was profoundly meaningful for the Ford team, many of whom have personal ties to the Chicago community or strong Catholic backgrounds. Lead electrical systems engineer Jennifer Barilovich described the project as “the coolest” and a highlight of her professional life, expressing pride in contributing to a vehicle destined for such a unique purpose.
The custom Explorer stands not only as an example of Ford’s engineering ability but also as a tribute to community heritage, shared faith, and the enduring connections between Chicago and its most famous former resident, now Pope Leo XIV.
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