The CEO of Ford Motor Co. gifted Pope Leo XIV a custom-made 2026 Ford Explorer Platinum hybrid embellished with small tributes to both Chicago and the Vatican.
“Pope Leo XIV has deep roots on Chicago’s South Side — just like Ford,” Jim Farley, CEO of Ford, said in a statement shared with EWTN News. “And we thought it would be especially fitting for him to drive an Explorer built at our Chicago Assembly Plant, which has been in continuous operation for more than a century.”
After Farley and his wife, Lia, decided to launch the project for the Chicago-born pope, Ford, one of the largest American car companies, reached out to the Vatican before putting together a team to create the one-of-a-kind vehicle for the first American pontiff.
“Lia and I made the donation personally, but it only became possible because a group of Ford employees helped bring this special vehicle to life,” he said.
The car features many nods to both Chicago and the Vatican. The scuff plates feature engravings of the Chicago skyline and St. Peter’s Basilica to represent Pope Leo’s journey to the Vatican.
The seat tags are also designed as Chicago flags, and the car’s license plates read “DA POPE” and “LEO XIV.”
Center console of the custom Ford Explorer built for Pope Leo XIV embroidered with the Chicago skyline. | Credit: Photo courtesy of Ford
Employees were told they were building a vehicle for “a VIP,” but because of confidentiality, they didn’t originally know it was for the pope. Many only learned recently they helped build a car that is being driven on Vatican grounds.
“As soon as I could, I told my family,” Jennifer Barilovich, lead electrical systems integration engineer for the project, said in a statement shared with EWTN News. “I come from a huge Catholic family, so everyone was thrilled and just thought it was the coolest project.”
Adolphus Harper, a pre-delivery specialist for Ford, said: “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.”
“Knowing a vehicle built here in Chicago is going to the pope, it’s hard not to feel proud. As someone with deep faith, it feels like an even greater honor,” said Danny Golubovic, a pre-delivery specialist.
Engravings of Chicago’s skyline and St. Peter’s Basilica appear on the scuff plates of the custom Ford Explorer built for Pope Leo XIV. | Credit: Photo courtesy of Ford
“After 30 years at Chicago Assembly, the pride never fades,” said Valerie Hernandez, a pre-delivery specialist for Ford. “Knowing that something we built is out there being enjoyed by the pope makes me incredibly proud. It’s a privilege to be part of something bigger than yourself.”
From the Chicago Assembly Plant to the Chicago-born pope
The car was gifted to Pope Leo in person by Farley and his wife on Feb. 28 during a private audience at the Vatican.
“He noticed and appreciated all the personal touches,” Farley said. “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,” he said.
Letter from Jennifer Barilovich delivered to Pope Leo XIV. |Credit: Photo courtesy of Ford
The team also gave Pope Leo some other personal gifts including a picture of the Chicago Assembly Plant team, handwritten letters from employees, and a pizza box from Chicago’s Aurelio’s Pizza restaurant.
“I wrote a letter to the pope to tell him how much it meant to me,” Barilovich said. “I hope my letter gave the pope a sense of how proud I am. This is the highlight of my professional life so far.”
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