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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Pope Leo XIV received a custom 2026 Ford Explorer Platinum AWD hybrid from Ford CEO Jim Farley at the Vatican on February 28, 2026. Jim and Lia Farley donated the vehicle personally. Built at Ford’s Chicago Assembly Plant, it features details connecting Chicago—the Pope’s birthplace and hometown—to the Vatican.
What Explorer did Pope Leo XIV receive?
The gift was a one-of-a-kind 2026 Ford Explorer Platinum AWD hybrid. The Vatican said Jim and Lia Farley made the donation in their personal capacities; Jim Farley also represented the Chicago Ford team that built the vehicle and added personal touches. The Vatican State announcement dates the presentation ceremony to the morning of February 28, 2026. Ford likewise describes the handover as taking place during a private audience with the Pope. Ford’s account says Leo planned to use the Explorer to cross Vatican grounds.
How the Explorer connects Chicago and the Vatican
The Explorer was assembled at Ford’s Chicago Assembly Plant, which opened in 1924. The factory’s location connects the vehicle to Pope Leo’s Chicago roots: he was born in the city. The Vatican’s announcement highlights that link, while Ford describes the plant as having operated for more than a century.
Ford says this particular Explorer has a custom 3.3L V6 hybrid powertrain paired with a 10-speed hybrid transmission, as well as an antenna compatible with European broadcast radio. These are specifications reported for the gift vehicle, not evidence that every 2026 Explorer Platinum is equipped the same way.
#1 Best Overall
- official licensed
- 1:43 Scale Cars- 4 1/2 inches long
- Made of Diecast metal, rubber tires
Personal touches on the one-off vehicle
The custom details bring together Chicago imagery and Vatican landmarks. Ford reports that the Explorer has:
- Seat tags featuring the Chicago flag.
- Chicago skyline embroidery on the center console.
- Door-sill engravings depicting the Chicago skyline and St. Peter’s Basilica.
The Vatican also describes personalizations that refer to the Pope’s Chicago upbringing and the Vatican. The vehicle’s Chicago origin and these bespoke details make this a customized gift, not a standard retail configuration offered to Explorer buyers.
Rank #2
- Brand new box. Real rubber tires. True-to-scale detail. Has opening front doors. Detailed interior, exterior. Officially licensed product. Manufacturer's original unopened packaging. Made of diecast metal with some plastic parts. Dimensions approximately L-8, W-3.75, H-3 inches.
Factory employees were part of the presentation
The Farleys brought a photograph and handwritten letters from the factory employees who worked on the Explorer. Ford says Pope Leo blessed several rosaries for the team in return. Those exchanges reflect the people behind the build; they are not vehicle features.
Ford CEO Jim Farley said the Pope noticed the personal touches. “We even took a quick drive, and I can confirm the Holy Father enjoys driving a sporty ride,” Farley said in Ford’s account.
Rank #3
- Brand new box. Real rubber tires. True-to-scale detail. Has opening front doors. Detailed interior, exterior. Officially licensed product. Manufacturer's original unopened packaging. Made of diecast metal with some plastic parts. Dimensions approximately L-8, W-3.75, H-3 inches.
Ford engineer Jennifer Barilovich, a lead electrical systems integration engineer, said she told her family as soon as she learned the VIP was Pope Leo XIV. Ford also quoted her calling the project “the highlight of my professional life so far.”
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the gift does—and does not—tell Explorer shoppers
The model name identifies the vehicle’s basis as a 2026 Explorer Platinum AWD hybrid, but the Pope’s car is a one-off with custom equipment and personalizations. The details reported for this build should not be taken as a list of standard Platinum features or as confirmation of ordinary retail availability for this exact powertrain configuration.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Scale : 1:43 5 inches
- Builder Kit Includes: Light bar & push bar (installation required)
- Comes with acrylic display case
- Material: Diecast metal with some plastic parts.
- Dimensions approximately L-4.25, W-2.25, H-2 inches.
Rank #4
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