Pope Leo XIV was gifted a custom set of wheels, outfitted with details that pay homage to his Chicago roots.
The Chicago-born pontiff was gifted a new Ford Explorer SUV, personally delivered by Ford CEO Jim Farley and his wife, Lia.
The Ford boss and his wife held a private audience with the pontiff on Feb 28.
The pope plans to use the vehicle to cross the Vatican grounds, according to Ford.
The black Explorer Platinum, equipped with a customized 3.3-liter V6 hybrid powertrain and a 10-speed hybrid transmission, was assembled at Ford's Chicago Assembly Plant, about 5 miles from Leo's hometown of Dolton.
It also features vanity license plates that read "DA POPE" and "LEO XIV."
Interior details are a nod to the pope’s Chicago roots, with seat tags with the Chicago flag, and the city's skyline is stitched into the vehicle's center console.
Engravings of the skyline and St. Peter's Basilica are found on the scuff plates near the bottom of the SUV's doors.
Ford employees were given the heads-up that they were building the vehicle for a VIP, but due to confidentiality reasons, they were not told it was for the Pope.
Some workers were astonished after learning who the vehicle was being made for.
"When I found out it was the pope, I was so excited," said Jennifer Barilovich, lead electrical systems integration engineer for the Explorer. "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," she told FOX 2 KTUV.
Barilovich and other team members wrote letters to the pontiff.
Ford pre-delivery specialist Adolphus Harper described the connection to the project as “unbelievable.” Harper revealed he was a former high school student of the pontiff.
"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," he said. "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."
Among the gifts the team sent to Leo were a special recognition coin from the Chicago Assembly Plant and a pizza box from Aurelio’s Pizza, one of his favorite restaurants from his hometown.
Farley told the news outlet that the pope appreciated the “personal touches” and “enjoyed the sporty ride,” after taking the vehicle for a spin.
“But 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.