It's not every day that a religious leader receives the keys to an SUV specially designed for him. That's exactly what happened when Pope Leo XIV found himself in front of a custom-made 2026 Ford Explorer Hybrid Platinum.

The vehicle stands out not only for its hybrid technology or its level of luxury. It also represents a gesture laden with symbolism between the United States, the city of Chicago, and the Vatican.

The story behind the model is almost cinematic. Leo XIV was born in Chicago and has always maintained a strong connection with the city.

That detail did not go unnoticed by Jim Farley, CEO of Ford, who decided to promote an unusual idea within the company. The result was a customized Explorer that blends the brand's DNA with discreet references to the pontiff's life.

The vehicle was delivered at the end of February 2026 in the Vatican. Farley traveled with his wife to personally deliver it.

The Pope was completely surprised to receive a model created in silence by dozens of the brand's engineers.

A Secret Project Within Ford

The creation of this Explorer was not a conventional project. Within Ford, it was handled with absolute discretion from the start. Many engineers worked for months without knowing exactly who the vehicle's recipient would be.

The order was clear: to prepare a special SUV for a VIP client. Only when development was practically finished was the confidentiality agreement surrounding the project lifted.

That moment completely changed the team's mood. Upon discovering that the vehicle was destined for Pope Leo XIV, many workers felt they were participating in something bigger than a simple automotive commission.

A Link Between Chicago and the Vatican

The Explorer chosen for the gift has a very particular symbolic significance. The model was assembled at the Ford plant located on the south side of Chicago,very close to where the Pope spent part of his youth.

Leo XIV grew up in Dolton, Illinois, a few miles from that factory. For this reason, Ford considered the vehicle an elegant way to pay homage to the Pope's American roots.

During the SUV's delivery, Farley carried a photograph of the plant team that participated in the assembly. He also delivered several handwritten letters from the workers. The Pope responded with a gesture that moved everyone. He blessed rosaries intended for the company's employees.

Unique Details in this Explorer Platinum

The vehicle is based on a 2026 Explorer Hybrid Platinum, the most luxurious version in the lineup. Several exclusive elements, designed especially for the Pope, were added to this platform. One of them is an antenna adapted to work with European broadcasting systems. Personalized license plates were also installed with messages that clearly identify the vehicle. They feature the phrases "The Pope" and "Leo XIV." The most symbolic details are inside. The door moldings include engravings of the silhouettes of Chicago and the Vatican. The seats have small tags with the Chicago flag as a reminder of the vehicle's origin. Ford has preferred to keep some additional customization elements under wraps. According to Jim Farley, the Pope not only appreciated the gesture but also decided to take it for a spin to experience how this hybrid SUV handles in motion.

One of them is an antenna adapted to work with European broadcasting systems. Personalized license plates were also installed with messages that clearly identify the vehicle. They feature the phrases “The Pope” and “Leo XIV.”

The most symbolic details are inside. The door moldings include engravings of the silhouettes of Chicago and the Vatican. The seats have small tags with the Chicago flag as a reminder of the vehicle's origin.

Ford has preferred to keep some additional elements of the customization under wraps. According to Jim Farley, the Pope not only appreciated the gesture, but also decided to take it for a spin to experience how this hybrid SUV handles in motion.