During a recent visit to the Vatican, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance surprised Pope Leo XIV with an unexpected gift: a custom Chicago Bears football jersey. The jersey, bearing the name “Pope Leo” and the number “XIV,” sparked mixed reactions online. While some praised the gesture as lighthearted and personal, many questioned its appropriateness, calling it undignified and out of place for a papal audience.
The gift exchange followed a formal meeting where Vance also delivered a letter from President Donald Trump inviting the pope to the U.S. In return, Pope Leo presented Vance with a bronze sculpture engraved with “Peace is a fragile flower” and a photo book of the papal residence. Social media platforms erupted with debate over the football jersey, with many users calling it “awkward,” “embarrassing,” and “disrespectful.”
This was not the first time Vance drew criticism in the Vatican. A photo posted during his Easter visit showed him and his son inside the Sistine Chapel—where photography is strictly forbidden—sparking backlash for violating sacred space rules. The Vatican’s policies prohibit any photos inside the chapel, though rare exceptions are made for dignitaries.
Despite the controversies, Vance’s Vatican visits were significant. He met both Pope Leo and the late Pope Francis, the latter just one day before his death. After Pope Francis’ passing, Vance publicly expressed condolences and admiration for the pontiff’s legacy. As funeral arrangements unfold, many around the world continue to honor the pope’s contributions to faith, peace, and global unity.
