1 of 4 | Pope Leo XIV’s new Ford Explorer was built at the Chicago Assembly Plant and donated by Ford’s CEO. Photo courtesy of Ford
A Ford plant in Chicago created a custom 2026 Explorer SUV for Pope Francis XIV that was delivered to the pontiff at the Vatican.
The car was paid for and donated by Ford CEO Jim Farley and his wife Lia, who also delivered the vehicle to Rome.
The hybrid SUV is black with a brown and black interior, and it has Chicago and Vatican touches to commemorate the pope’s Chicago roots.
The new ride was assembled at Ford’s Chicago Assembly Plant, which has operated for more than 100 years on the city’s South Side. Leo grew up about 5 miles from the plant in the suburb of Dolton.
The Explorer was customized with a 3.3L V6 hybrid powertrain and 10-speed hybrid transmission, as well as an antenna that’s compatible with the European broadcast radio system. Vanity license plates read “DA POPE” and “LEO XIV.”
The front seats have cloth tags of the Chicago flag, and the scuff plates have etchings of the Chicago skyline and St. Peter’s Basilica. The center console is stitched with an outline of the Chicago skyline, too.
The Farleys personally delivered the car during a private audience at the Vatican on Feb. 28.
“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.”
Leo said he will drive it around the Vatican grounds.
Farley brought Leo a photo of the Chicago Assembly Plant team and handwritten letters from those who worked on the car. In return, the Pope blessed several rosaries to take back to the staff.
The Ford CEO, a devout Catholic, felt inclined to do something nice for the pope, The Independent reported.
“I reached out to the Vatican a few months ago, and that’s how this began,” Farley said. “Pope Leo XIV has deep roots on Chicago’s South Side — just like Ford. And we thought it would be especially fitting for him to drive an Explorer built at our Chicago Assembly Plant.”
“What stays with me is the feeling of gratitude and joy we experienced meeting him and sharing this small gesture.” Farley added. “(It’s) one that reflects the pride and care of the Ford team back home in Chicago.”
Jennifer Barilovich, lead electrical systems integration engineer, said she was excited to work on the project.
“As soon as I could, I told my family,” she said. “I come from a huge Catholic family, so everyone was thrilled and just thought it was the coolest project.”
She was one of the employees who wrote a letter to Leo.
“I hope my letter gave the Pope a sense of how proud I am,” Barilovich said. “This is the highlight of my professional life so far.”
