A secret Ford project turned out to be a new Chicago-themed car for the Pope. See inside the SUV.

Ford assembly line workers knew an Explorer SUV was going to a VIP. It's now at the Vatican. Ford Ford workers built a secret "VIP" Explorer — and only later learned it was destined for the Pope. The Explorer won't replace the Popemobile. That remains an electric Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Ford gifted the car to the Pope in February. Workers at Ford's Chicago Assembly Plant knew a three-row Explorer rolling through the factory was meant for a VIP. They just didn't know it was built to be a gift...