Pope Leo XIV received a 2026 Explorer Platinum AWD hybrid car as a gift from the Ford Motor Company

Jim and Lia Farley donated a 2026 Ford Explorer Platinum AWD hybrid car to Pope Leo XIV. The Explorer is produced at Chicago Assembly Plant – the historic factory, opened in 1924 by Henry Ford, in the city where the Pope was born.

The award ceremony took place on Saturday morning, February 28, in the presence of the Pontiff. Mr. Farley demonstrated some of the advanced features of the vehicle, as well as a number of custom personalizations prepared with the Pope in mind, which nod to the Vatican and to the Holy Father’s Chicago upbringing.

Among others, the following were present: Sr. Raffaella Petrini, President of the Governorate of the Vatican City State accompanied by the General Secretary, Mr. Giuseppe Puglisi-Alibrandi.

Mr. Farley is the President and CEO of Ford Motor Company. While the gift is from Mr. and Mrs. Farley in their personal capacities, he is proud to represent the Chicago Ford team who produced the Explorer and added several meaningful touches for the Pope.

Beyond the custom personalizations, the new vehicle is powered by a custom hybrid engine that delivers increased sustainability and lowered emissions, and comes packed with advanced technology that makes for a smoother, more digitally integrated driving experience.