A Shared Story of Service: Jim Farley, Ford Motor Company, and a Gift to Pope Leo

Published On: March 11, 2026|Categories: In The News, PFC News|

A recent article by journalist Phoebe Wall Howard offers a behind-the-scenes look at a remarkable moment connecting Ford Motor Company, its CEO Jim Farley, and the Vatican. The article details the presentation of a custom Ford Explorer to Pope Leo from Jim Farley—a unique gesture that reflects both innovation and goodwill.

For those of us at the Pope Francis Center, the story is especially meaningful.

Jim Farley and Ford Motor Company have been longtime friends and supporters of our mission to serve Detroiters experiencing homelessness. Over the years, Farley has volunteered alongside our team and helped champion the work happening at PFC—helping guests have their basic needs addressed while also finding a path toward stability.

Ford has also played a special role in sharing our story as well. In 2021, Ford created a custom Pope Francis Center–branded Ford Bronco, helping bring visibility to our mission and the dignity of the people we serve.

Seeing Farley now connected with Pope Leo through this recent moment is a reminder of how service and leadership can reach across communities—from Detroit to the Vatican.

We’re grateful for champions like Jim Farley and partners like Ford Motor Company who continue to stand with the Pope Francis Center and the thousands of individuals we serve each year.

Read the full article:
 Phoebe Wall Howard, “Jim Farley: Behind the Scenes with Pope Leo”

More coverage of the Ford Explorer gift to Pope Leo:

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