The American pontiff Leo XIV received an exclusive Ford Explorer Platinum from Ford as a gift, made in a single copy. The CEO of the concern, Jim Farley, and his wife personally delivered the SUV to the Vatican during a private audience on February 28.
The special version of the car was assembled at the Ford plant in Chicago, just a few miles from Dalton, where the Pope was born. The SUV is equipped with a 3.3-liter hybrid V6 engine and a 10-speed transmission. The exterior of the car is complemented by ironic license plates “DA POPE” and “LEO XIV”, and the seats are decorated with a Chicago flag; the center console is embroidered with a panorama of the city; and the sills are adorned with an engraving of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Along with the car keys, the Pope was presented with symbolic gifts: a commemorative coin from the factory and a pizza box from his favorite place in his hometown, Aurelio’s Pizza. Leo XIV is expected to use the new hybrid SUV to move around the Vatican.