Overview
- Jim and Lia Farley paid for and personally delivered the 2026 Explorer Platinum hybrid to the Vatican on Feb. 28.
- The SUV was assembled at Ford’s Chicago Assembly Plant by dozens of workers under a confidential “VIP” build.
- Custom touches include Chicago-flag seat tags, Chicago skyline and St. Peter’s Basilica engravings, and vanity plates reading “DA POPE” and “LEO XIV.”
- Technical changes comprise a 3.3-liter V6 hybrid with a 10-speed hybrid transmission and a radio antenna compatible with European broadcasts.
- Leo XIV took a short drive, plans to use it on Vatican grounds rather than as the official Popemobile, and blessed rosaries for plant staff after receiving their letters and photo.