Ford CEO Jim Farley and his wife, Lia, presented Pope Leo XIV with a customized Explorer SUV during a private Vatican audience last month.
The black Explorer Platinum includes a 3.3-liter V6 hybrid powertrain and 10-speed hybrid transmission. Workers assembled the vehicle at Ford’s Chicago Assembly Plant, roughly 5 miles from the pope’s hometown of Dolton.
Custom touches feature vanity plates reading “DA POPE” and “LEO XIV.”
Seat tags display the Chicago flag, while the city skyline and St. Peter’s Basilica appear stitched into the center console and engraved on door scuff plates.
Farley and his wife delivered the SUV on February 28. The pope intends to drive it across Vatican grounds, according to Ford.
“He noticed and appreciated the personal touches,” Farley said, Fox Business reported.”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.”
Plant employees knew they had built a vehicle for a VIP, but learned the recipient’s identity only later due to secrecy rules.
“When I found out it was the pope, I was so excited,” said Jennifer Barilovich, lead electrical systems integration engineer for the Explorer, per Fox. “I can’t believe I helped make a vehicle that the pope is going to drive! As soon as I could, I told my family. I come from a huge Catholic family, so everyone was thrilled and just thought it was the coolest project.”
Barilovich and other team members wrote letters to the pope. Pre-delivery specialist Adolphus Harper felt a personal tie.
“I graduated from St. Rita in 1986, so knowing that the pope who once taught me is now driving something I helped assemble – it’s unbelievable,” he said, Fox reported. “I am proud to be part of this. To see someone connected to my own education become part of something so historic – it’s amazing.”
The group sent additional items, including a Chicago Assembly Plant recognition coin and a pizza box from Aurelio’s Pizza, a favorite hometown spot.
“Knowing a vehicle built here in Chicago is going to the pope, it’s hard not to feel proud,” said pre-delivery specialist Danny Golubovic, per Fox. “As someone with deep faith, it feels like an even greater honor. The work we do here is important – to our city, our families, and people.”
