Pope’s New Vehicle: Ford Chicago Assembly Plant Worker and Former Student of Pope Leo, Adarthus Harper, Contributes to Creation of New Ford Explorer Popemobile

CHICAGO (WLS) — It’s a rare fortune to find your life intersecting repeatedly with someone who eventually becomes the pope.

Adarthus Harper, a resident of Chicago’s South Side, recalls his encounters with a man known to him as Father Bob. Harper, who works as an inspector at Ford Motor’s Chicago Assembly Plant, graduated in 1986 from St. Rita Cascia High School, where he was taught math and physics by the man who would later be known as Pope Leo XIV.

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“When he was elected, I thought, wait a minute, I know him!” Harper recounted. “It suddenly dawned on me. I saw him and thought, that is truly unbelievable.”

Harper played a significant role in the development of a special Ford Explorer designed for the pope, infused with elements unique to Chicago. This vehicle was generously donated to the pontiff by Ford’s president.

“Here at Chicago Assembly, we’re known for our hard work, and we built a world-class vehicle thanks to the world-class team at our plant,” Harper proudly stated.

According to one of Harper’s colleagues, the privilege of presenting a vehicle to the pope was acknowledged in a letter of gratitude, which accompanied the truck as a testament to the commitment of the entire Chicago Assembly staff.

“Chicago Assembly has provided a way of life for thousands of families over the years, and we have thousands of families right now, so this kind of stuff this kind of event to do something special for the pope is exciting for everybody here,” said Walter Simkus, final area manager for Chicago Assembly.

Harper wants the pope to know that St. Rita is where he discovered his faith. The all-boys Augustinian school maintains close ties with Pope Leo, who is considered a legend.

“I love my religion, first of all, and without the faith Saint Rita instilled in me, of course, I’ve had some hard times in my life, but today, you know, I am doing very well for myself, and once again, I thank Chicago Assembly Plant and the great people here that I work with,” Harper said.