Papa francis receives customized ford explorer hybrid in chicago
A bespoke Ford Explorer hybrid, meticulously crafted for Pope Leo XIV, has arrived in the Vatican, a testament to a surprising connection between the pontiff's American roots and the Automotive industry.
A nod to chicago and a shared heritage
The vehicle, a 2026 Ford Explorer Platinum, was assembled at Ford's Chicago plant on the South Side, a location near where Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, grew up. This isn't the first time Ford has tailored a vehicle for the Pope; in 2021, they created a customized Ford Bronco to support the Papa Francisco Center in Detroit. However, this latest creation marks a significant step, with the hybrid SUV now serving the new Pope directly.
The Explorer Platinum sports a sophisticated metallic black finish complemented by chrome accents, but the real story lies within. Custom touches reflect Pope Leo XIV’s connection to Chicago, his birthplace, and his pontifical role. The front seats feature embroidered patches depicting the Chicago flag, and the central armrest showcases a detailed embroidery of the city skyline. Adding a further personal touch, the door sills bear the image of St. Peter's Basilica alongside the Chicago skyline, blending the pontiff’s origins with his spiritual authority.
The project, shrouded in confidentiality, captivated Ford employees. Jennifer Barilovich, chief electrical systems integration engineer, recounted the excitement within her Catholic family upon learning the vehicle's intended recipient. “I came from a very large Catholic family, so everyone was thrilled and thought it was the most incredible project,” she shared.
Ford CEO Jim Farley personally delivered the vehicle to Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on February 28th. Farley described the Pope's appreciation for the personalized details and noted his enjoyment of the Explorer's sporty driving character. A conversation centered on the shared pride in Chicago, with Farley presenting the pontiff with a photo of the Chicago plant team and handwritten letters from those involved in building the vehicle. In return, Pope Leo XIV blessed rosaries for the plant workers.
Under the hood, the Ford Explorer hybrid boasts a 3.3-liter V6 engine paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission, generating 300 horsepower and offering a towing capacity of up to 2,200 kg. The Platinum model starts at $50,965 in the US, a price point of roughly €44,000. Notably, this hybrid SUV is not available in Europe, though Ford does offer an electric Explorer based on the Volkswagen ID.4 in the European market, starting at €36,456.
The bespoke Explorer isn’t simply a vehicle; it’s a tangible symbol of connection—between a global leader and his roots, and between an Automotive giant and a city that shaped its history. This custom build underscores Ford’s capacity for personalized engineering, a capacity that extends beyond mere production numbers.
The blend of American ingenuity and Catholic tradition embodied in this vehicle offers a compelling glimpse into the complex tapestry of modern leadership. It's a testament to how even Automotive manufacturing can weave itself into the fabric of history.