The Vatican motor pool just received a highly unique addition that trades the traditional popemobile silhouette for something a bit more… utilitarian. Pope Leo XIV is the proud new owner of a custom Ford Explorer Platinum Hybrid, uniquely tailored to celebrate both his current life in the Vatican and his deep-rooted upbringing in the United States. This special one-off SUV boasts sentimental design details just for the occasion.
The bespoke vehicle was not an official corporate donation from the automaker, but rather a gift from its chief. Ford CEO Jim Farley and his wife, Lia, personally covered the cost of the custom build. Toward the end of February, Farley traveled directly to the Vatican to hand the keys over to the Pope in person, a mightily historic moment for the Detroit-based automaker.
Under the hood, this special project is powered by a robust 3.3-liter V6 hybrid powertrain mated to a seamless 10-speed automatic transmission. While previous papal vehicles have been heavily modified with elevated glass viewing platforms for public parades and global tours, this specific Ford Explorer is intended strictly for private use within the expansive Vatican grounds. The hybrid setup ensures quiet, emission-conscious driving while navigating the historic city-state.
The car was built by a dedicated team of workers at the Ford Chicago Assembly Plant, somewhere that is incredibly close to Dolton, Illinois, the area where Pope Leo XIV spent his early life before his path to the papacy.
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Stepping inside the cabin, the design team went to great lengths to ensure the interior reflected the Pope’s American roots. The customization goes far beyond the standard luxury appointments found in the Platinum trim, focusing heavily on his personal connection to the Windy City and his spiritual home in Rome.
A Unique Mix of Chicago and the Vatican
To honor his hometown, the iconic Chicago flag was incorporated directly into the seat design. Additionally, the famous city skyline was intricately worked into the vehicle’s interior trim. To bridge his past and present, special engravings were added that beautifully connect the striking Chicago skyline with the architectural majesty of St. Peter’s Basilica.
By the Numbers: The Pope’s Custom Explorer
- Powertrain: 3.3-liter V6 Hybrid
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic
- Trim Level: Platinum
- Assembly Location: Chicago Assembly Plant, Illinois
The exterior of the vehicle is finished with playful, personalized license plates that are tied directly to the Pope’s identity. During the handover, Pope Leo XIV immediately noticed the custom additions.
“He noticed and appreciated all the personal touches,” Farley said via a press release. “We even took a quick drive, and I can confirm the Holy Father enjoys driving a sporty ride.”
The presentation of the vehicle included much more than the giving over of the car. Farley brought along a team photograph from the Chicago plant of the exact workers who brought the one-off project to life. Those same assembly line workers also wrote personal, handwritten notes that were delivered directly to the Pope during the handover.
“I hope my letter gave the Pope a sense of how proud I am,” said Jennifer Barilovich, the electrical systems engineer of this car. “This is the highlight of my professional life so far.”
