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...