Ford CEO Jim Farley and his wife, Lia, personally presented Pope Leo XIV with a uniquely customized 2026 Explorer Platinum on February 28th. The vehicle, a gift from the Farleys, will be used by the pontiff at the Vatican.
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A Nod to the Pope’s Origins
The Explorer was specially designed to reflect Pope Leo XIV’s birthplace of Chicago, Illinois. The exterior features a black finish with chrome accents, and the vanity plates read “DA POPE” and “LEO XIV.” Inside, the crossover boasts two-tone leather seats adorned with Chicago flag tags. The city’s skyline is embroidered into the center console lid and engraved onto the door sill plates, alongside graphics of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Exclusive Powertrain and Personal Touches
The Explorer is powered by a hybridized 3.3-liter V6 engine, producing approximately 318 horsepower. Notably, this hybrid powertrain is no longer available in standard Explorer models and is instead reserved for the Police Interceptor Utility. The vehicle also includes a revised audio system capable of receiving European radio signals.
Symbolic Gift: Why This Matters
This gift highlights Ford’s tradition of creating one-off vehicles for significant figures, previously demonstrated with a customized Bronco for Pope Francis Center in Detroit. The choice of the Explorer, built in Chicago, is a deliberate gesture recognizing the Pope’s connection to the city. The level of personalization—from the Chicago-themed interior to the vanity plates—demonstrates Ford’s commitment to making the gift meaningful.
Pontiff’s Reaction
According to Farley, the Pope took the Explorer for a brief test drive and expressed his appreciation for the personalized details. He also proudly acknowledged his Chicago roots and blessed several rosaries for Ford employees.
This gesture serves as a unique intersection of automotive manufacturing, religious symbolism, and local pride. The exclusive powertrain and custom design underscore the special nature of this gift, further cementing Ford’s relationship with prominent global figures.
