Ford gifts Pope Leo XIV custom Explorer

MANILA: Ford Motor Company gifted the Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV a custom, Chicago-made 2026 Explorer Platinum hybrid sport utility vehicle (SUV).

Ford Chief Executive Officer Jim Farley handed the Pontiff his new ride on February 28, during a private audience at the Vatican.

“He noticed and appreciated all the personal touches,” Farley said, noting the Pope’s reaction.

“We even took a quick drive, and I can confirm the Holy Father enjoys driving a sporty ride,” he added.

Here are some of its notable features. 

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Hybrid powertrain

Powering Pope Leo XIV’s Ford Explorer Platinum is a 3.3-liter V6 hybrid engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.

The electrified powertrain should give His Holiness some decent power without the guilt, which reports say should make around 318 horsepower and approximately 436 Newton-meters (Nm).

It is also equipped with an antenna that is compatible with the European broadcast radio system, should the Pope want to hear local news.

Fitted too are vanity plates that read “DA POPE” and “LEO XIV.” 

Inside are design details that boast Chicago-to-Vatican pride, such as seat tags that feature the Chicago flag, center console stitching resembling the city skyline, and engravings of both the Chicago skyline and the Saint Peter’s Basilica on the scuff plates. 

Chicago pride

During the turnover, Ford’s head honcho brought a photo of the Chicago Assembly plant team and handwritten letters from those who worked on the car.

In return, the Pope blessed several rosaries to bring back to the staff.

“I hope my letter gave the Pope a sense of how proud I am,” Ford Lead Electrical Systems Integration Engineer Jennifer Barilovich was quoted as saying. 

“This is the highlight of my professional life so far,” she added.

Barilovich, alongside dozens of employees, worked together to create the one-of-a-kind Ford Explorer at the company’s Chicago Assembly Plant, which has operated for over a century on the city’s South Side.

Of note, Pope Leo XIV was raised roughly eight kilometers away, in the suburb of Dolton.

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Ford Explorer in PH

The Ford Explorer is an SUV available to Filipino car buyers.

No hybrid powertrains are available though; instead, those wanting to drive home the seven-seater are limited to a 2.3-liter mill mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission with a rotary gear shift dial.

This setup makes about 295 horses and 420 Nm of pulling power. To help drivers tailor their experience, the SUV is equipped with seven selectable drive modes, namely Eco, Normal, Sport, Deep Sand, Tow/Haul, Trail, and Slippery.

An intelligent four-wheel drivetrain with Terrain Management System enables the vehicle to conquer various conditions. Its 208 millimeter ground clearance and P255/55R20 all-season, self-sealing tires also help would-be owners to go where most SUVs dare not. 

Other notable features include leather upholstery, a 6.5-inch color LCD cluster screen, an eight-inch capacitive touchscreen infotainment system with swipe capability as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and a tri-zone electronic automatic temperature control.

It is sold with a price tag of P3.498 million.

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