Pope Leo XIV’s Gift List: From Sports Gear to Sacred Art

Every time a leader visits the Vatican, people wonder what to bring. Pope Leo XIV, who took office last year, has become the latest recipient of a wide range of presents. Some gifts are extravagant and symbolic; others come from hometown pride or personal hobbies.

Chicago’s Treasure Trove

In Chicago, the mayor and a city delegation sent a treasure trove of local goodies. Among them were:

An official key to the city
Clothes from both the White Sox and Cubs
A jar of spicy giardiniera

The gesture highlighted the city’s support for the new pontiff.

Pope Leo’s Approach to Gifts

Like his predecessor Pope Francis, Leo has vowed poverty. He rarely keeps personal items from gifts. Instead:

Many presents are displayed in the Vatican Museum
Some are sold at charity auctions
Others are donated to groups that help those in need

Diverse Contributions from U.S. Leaders

Illinois Governor J. B. Pritzker & wife:
A drawing by an inmate
A biography of Abraham Lincoln
A four‑pack of Chicago beer
Vice President J. D. Vance:
A custom Bears jersey
Books by St. Augustine
An invitation from President Trump (now cooled)

The Pope returned a bronze sculpture to the Vances, reminding them that peace is fragile.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio:
A crystal football with the State Department seal

Leo replied with an olive‑wood pen bearing the papal coat of arms, a nod to peace.

International Tokens

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy:
An icon painted on a recovered war crate, symbolizing children affected by conflict
King Charles III & Queen Camilla:
An icon of St. Edward the Confessor
A photo
Orchids that represent resilience

Business and Sports Contributions

Ford CEO Jim Farley:
A custom hybrid Explorer, built in Chicago and tailored for the Pope’s love of cars
Sports Figures:
Former White Sox star Paul Konerko signed a No. 14 jersey
The team’s mascot celebrated his fandom with a special gift

A Unique Equine Addition

An Arabian horse from Polish breeder Andrzej Michalski joined the collection, showcasing how diverse and personal the gifts can be.

These presents reflect not only the Pope’s humble stance but also the global community’s desire to honor his new role with tokens that carry cultural, personal, or symbolic meaning.