Ford Gifts Custom Explorer to Pope Leo XIV

The Chicago-built SUV features personal touches honoring the American-born pontiff's hometown.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Ford CEO Jim Farley and his wife, Lia, recently gifted Pope Leo XIV a new custom-built Explorer SUV. The black Explorer Platinum, assembled at Ford's Chicago Assembly Plant, features a 3.3-liter V6 hybrid powertrain and 10-speed hybrid transmission, as well as personalized touches like vanity license plates that read 'DA POPE' and 'LEO XIV,' the Chicago flag stitched into the center console, and engravings of the Chicago skyline and St. Peter's Basilica. The pope plans to use the vehicle to cross the grounds of the Vatican.

Why it matters

The gift reflects Ford's connection to the pope's hometown of Dolton, Illinois, and the pride of the Chicago Assembly Plant team in building a vehicle for such a high-profile figure. It also highlights the automaker's efforts to personalize vehicles for VIP customers.

The details

The custom Explorer was assembled at Ford's Chicago Assembly Plant, located about 5 miles from Pope Leo XIV's hometown of Dolton. In addition to the hybrid powertrain, the vehicle features several personal touches, including vanity license plates, the Chicago flag stitched into the center console, and engravings of the Chicago skyline and St. Peter's Basilica on the scuff plates. Ford CEO Jim Farley and his wife personally delivered the SUV to the pontiff during a private audience on February 28.

  • The custom Explorer was delivered to Pope Leo XIV on February 28, 2026.
  • The vehicle was assembled at Ford's Chicago Assembly Plant.

The players

Jim Farley

The CEO of Ford Motor Company.

Lia Farley

The wife of Ford CEO Jim Farley.

Pope Leo XIV

The American-born pontiff who plans to use the custom Explorer to cross the grounds of the Vatican.

Jennifer Barilovich

The lead electrical systems integration engineer for the Explorer at Ford's Chicago Assembly Plant.

Adolphus Harper

A Ford pre-delivery specialist who graduated from St. Rita High School in 1986, the same school the pope once taught at.

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What they’re saying

“When I found out it was the pope, I was so excited. 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.”

— Jennifer Barilovich, Lead electrical systems integration engineer for the Explorer

“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. 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.”

— Adolphus Harper, Ford pre-delivery specialist

“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. The work we do here is important – to our city, our families and people.”

— Danny Golubovic, Ford pre-delivery specialist

What’s next

The pope is expected to use the custom Explorer to cross the grounds of the Vatican in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

This gift from Ford to Pope Leo XIV highlights the automaker's strong ties to the pontiff's hometown of Chicago and the pride felt by the employees at the local assembly plant in building a vehicle for such a high-profile figure.