A member of a religious order says the election of Pope Leo XIV could bring Americans back to the church.
Ford CEO Jim Farley and his wife Lia recently presented Pope Leo XIV with a new Explorer SUV.
The couple personally delivered the vehicle during a private audience with the American-born pope on February 28.
The black Explorer Platinum, customized with a 3.3-liter V6 hybrid powertrain and a 10-speed hybrid transmission, was assembled at the Ford Assembly Plant in Chicago, about five miles from Leo’s hometown of Dolton. It also features vanity license plates that read “DA POPE” and “LEO XIV.”
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The 2026 Ford Explorer, gifted to Pope Leo XIV. (Ford Motor Co.)
Inside, seat labels feature the Chicago flag and the city’s skyline is stitched into the car’s center console. Engravings of the skyline and St. Peter’s Basilica can be found on the scuff plates at the bottom of the SUV’s doors.
The seat tags feature the Chicago flag.
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According to Ford, Leo plans to use the vehicle to cross the Vatican grounds.
“He noticed and appreciated the personal touches,” Farley said. “We even went for a short drive and I can confirm that the Holy Father enjoys sporty driving. But what I remember most is the sense of gratitude and joy we experienced when we met him and shared this small gesture – a gesture that reflects the pride and care of the Ford team back home in Chicago.”
Pope Leo XIV shakes hands during an audience with media representatives in the Paul VI Hall in the Vatican, May 12, 2025. (Reuters/Eloisa Lopez)
Employees were aware they were building a vehicle for a VIP, but were not told it was for the Pope for confidentiality reasons.
“When I found out it was the Pope, I was so excited,” said Jennifer Barilovich, chief electrical systems integration engineer for the Explorer. “I can’t believe I helped create a vehicle for the Pope to ride in! As soon as I could, I told my family. I come from a large Catholic family, so everyone was excited and just thought it was the coolest project.”
Barilovich, like other team members, sent a letter to the Pope.
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A letter from Ford employee Jennifer Barilovich to Pope Leo XIV. (Ford Motor Co.)
The connection for Ford pre-delivery specialist Adolphus Harper was even closer to home.
Ford employee Adolphus Harper. (Ford Motor Co.)
“I graduated from St. Rita in 1986, so knowing that the Pope who once taught me is now piloting something that I helped put together — it’s incredible,” he said. “I’m proud to be a part of this. To see someone connected to my own education become a part of something so historic – it’s amazing.”
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Among the gifts the team sent to Leo were a special Chicago Assembly Plant recognition coin and a pizza box from Aurelio’s Pizza, one of his favorite restaurants in his hometown.
Ford employee Danny Golubovic. (Ford Motor Co.)
“Knowing that a vehicle built right here in Chicago is going to the Pope, it’s hard not to be proud,” said pre-delivery specialist Danny Golubovic. “As someone with deep faith, it feels like an even greater honor. The work we do here is important – for our city, our families and people.”
