Harley Lover Posted March 6 Share Posted March 6 (edited) Fun article, nice news for Chicago assembly plant: Quote Ford Motor Co.’s CEO and his wife have donated to Pope Leo XIV a secretly built, customized 2026 Ford Explorer hybrid SUV built in the pope’s native Chicago. Jim and Lia Farley gifted the vehicle in the presence of the pontiff during a ceremony that took place on Feb. 28, marking the first time a Ford CEO has had an audience with the pope at the Vatican, Ford spokesperson Dan Barbossa said. The CEO took a drive with the pope and demonstrated some of the vehicle’s advanced features, as well as some of the unique nods, including to the Vatican and his Chicago upbringing. Employees at Chicago Assembly Plant knew the vehicle was being made for a VIP, but are just learning who it was because of confidentiality. “He noticed and appreciated the personal touches — details like the Chicago skyline stitching and the Chicago flag seat tags,” Farley said in a statement. “We even took a quick drive, and I can confirm the Holy Father enjoys driving a sporty ride. But more than anything, what stays with me is the feeling of gratitude and joy we experienced meeting him and sharing this small gesture — one that reflects the pride and care of the Ford team back home in Chicago.” Farley for years has volunteered at Detroit’s Pope Francis Center, including its St. Antoine Street center downtown that serves hot meals and the Bridge Housing Center in the Core City neighborhood that offers places to stay for men who are homeless and resources for transitioning to permanent housing. Edited March 6 by Harley Lover https://www.seattletimes.com/business/the-secret-vehicle-ford-built-that-ceo-just-gave-to-pope-leo/ 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sherminator98 Posted March 6 Share Posted March 6 https://www.fromtheroad.ford.com/us/en/articles/2026/pope-leo-xiv-custom-ford-explorer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twintornados Posted March 6 Share Posted March 6 Lets hope it crosses Vatican Square once before it's first recall..... 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe771476 Posted March 7 Share Posted March 7 Don't take this the wrong way, but can I assume it's armored with bulletproof glass etc. like I think the Mercedes is he appears in at parades etc.?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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