Pope Leo XIV has received a custom-built Ford Explorer SUV, personally delivered by Ford Motor Company CEO Jim Farley and his wife, Lia, during a private audience at the Vatican.
The Detroit Free Press reported that the specially outfitted vehicle was presented to the pontiff late last month as a tribute to the first U.S.-born pope in the history of the Catholic Church.
Before his election in May, Pope Leo XIV was known as Cardinal Robert Prevost and grew up in the Chicago area. The vehicle’s design includes several personalized touches reflecting both his hometown roots and his role as leader of the Catholic Church.
The black Ford Explorer Platinum features a hybrid powertrain powered by a 3.3-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed hybrid transmission. The SUV was assembled at Ford’s Chicago Assembly Plant, located roughly five miles from the pope’s hometown of Dolton, Illinois.
The vehicle includes papal-themed vanity license plates reading “DA POPE” and “LEO XIV.”
Inside the SUV, additional design details highlight the pontiff’s Chicago connections. Seat tags display the Chicago city flag, while the city’s skyline is stitched into the center console. Engravings of the Chicago skyline and St. Peter’s Basilica are also featured on the scuff plates along the vehicle’s door frames.
The Explorer Platinum is the model’s highest trim level.
Despite its capabilities, the vehicle is not expected to be used extensively on Rome’s crowded streets. According to Ford, the SUV will primarily be used for transportation around the Vatican’s expansive grounds.
Farley said the pope appeared to appreciate the customized details built into the vehicle.
“He noticed and appreciated the personal touches,” Farley said. “We even took a quick drive, and I can confirm the Holy Father enjoys driving a sporty ride.”
Farley added that meeting the pope and presenting the vehicle was a memorable experience.
“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,” he said.
Workers at Ford’s Chicago Assembly Plant were reportedly told they were building a vehicle for a VIP, but they were not initially informed that the recipient would be the pope.
Jennifer Barilovich, the vehicle’s lead electrical systems engineer, said the news was exciting when she learned the final destination of the project.
“When I found out it was the pope, I was so excited,” Barilovich said. “I can’t believe I helped make a vehicle that the pope is going to drive.”
Barilovich said the project held special meaning for her because she attended St. Rita High School in Chicago, where the future pope once taught.
“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.”
Members of the manufacturing team also sent several gifts to accompany the vehicle. These included a commemorative coin from the Chicago Assembly Plant and a pizza box from Aurelio’s Pizza, a restaurant known to be one of the pope’s favorites from his hometown.
Danny Golubovic, a pre-delivery specialist involved in the project, said the team felt a sense of pride knowing the vehicle would be used by the pontiff.
“Knowing a vehicle built here in Chicago is going to the pope, it’s hard not to feel proud,” Golubovic said. “As someone with deep faith, it feels like an even greater honor.”
