A member of a spiritual order says the election of Pope Leo XIV could carry People again to church.
Ford CEO Jim Farley and his spouse, Lia, just lately gifted Pope Leo XIV a brand new Explorer SUV.
The couple personally delivered the automobile throughout a personal viewers with the American-born pontiff on Feb. 28.
The black Explorer Platinum, custom-made with a 3.3-liter V6 hybrid powertrain and 10-speed hybrid transmission, was assembled at Ford’s Chicago Meeting Plant, situated about 5 miles from Leo’s hometown of Dolton. It additionally options vainness license plates that learn “DA POPE” and “LEO XIV.”
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The 2026 Ford Explorer that was gifted to Pope Leo XIV. (Ford Motor Co.)
Inside, the seat tags characteristic the Chicago flag and town’s skyline is stitched into the automobile’s heart console. Engravings of the skyline and St. Peter’s Basilica are discovered on the scuff plates close to the underside of the SUV’s doorways.
Seat tags featurE the Chicago flag.
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Leo plans to make use of the automobile to cross the grounds of the Vatican, in accordance with Ford.
“He observed and appreciated the private touches,” stated Farley. “We even took a fast drive, and I can verify the Holy Father enjoys driving a sporty journey. However greater than something, what stays with me is the sensation of gratitude and pleasure we skilled assembly him and sharing this small gesture – one which displays the delight and care of the Ford workforce again house in Chicago.”
Pope Leo XIV shakes arms throughout an viewers with representatives of the media in Paul VI corridor on the Vatican, Could 12, 2025. (Reuters/Eloisa Lopez)
Workers had been conscious that they had been constructing a automobile for a VIP, however as a consequence of confidentiality causes, weren’t advised it was for the pope.
“After I came upon it was the pope, I used to be so excited,” stated Jennifer Barilovich, lead electrical methods integration engineer for the Explorer. “I can’t consider I helped make a automobile that the pope goes to drive! As quickly as I might, I advised my household. I come from an enormous Catholic household, so everybody was thrilled and simply thought it was the good venture.”
Barilovich, like different workforce members, despatched a letter to the pontiff.
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A letter from Ford worker Jennifer Barilovich to Pope Leo XIV. (Ford Motor Co.)
The connection for Ford pre-delivery specialist Adolphus Harper was even nearer to house.
Ford worker Adolphus Harper. (Ford Motor Co.)
“I graduated from St. Rita in 1986, so realizing that the pope who as soon as taught me is now driving one thing I helped assemble – it’s unbelievable,” he stated. “I’m proud to be a part of this. To see somebody related to my very own training change into a part of one thing so historic – it’s superb.”
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Among the many presents the workforce despatched to Leo had been a particular Chicago Meeting Plant recognition coin and a pizza field from Aurelio’s Pizza, certainly one of his favourite hometown eating places.
Ford worker Danny Golubovic. (Ford Motor Co.)
“Understanding a automobile constructed right here in Chicago goes to the pope, it’s onerous to not really feel proud,” stated pre-delivery specialist Danny Golubovic. “As somebody with deep religion, it looks like a good better honor. The work we do right here is essential – to our metropolis, our households and folks.”
