Pope Leo XIV Receives Bears Jersey from Caleb Williams

Pope Leo XIV’s closet is adding more Chicago sports memorabilia.

This time, it’s an autographed jersey from Bears quarterback Caleb Williams. The jersey was given to him by Williams’ Caleb Cares Foundation, and the presentation took place on July 4, thanks to U.S. Ambassador to Rome, Brian Birch.

Williams made the jersey personal by including a message that reads “To: Pope Leo,” along with some fun hashtags: #DaPope, #DaBears, and #Heisman22. He also inscribed “AMDG,” which stands for the Latin phrase “Ad Majorem Dei gloriam,” or “for the greater glory of God.”

“Shout out, DAAAA POPEEEE,” Williams said, sharing a photo of the Pope with Birch on his Instagram Story. Interestingly, the white jerseys with orange numbers aren’t the typical look for the Bears. Maybe this is a sneak peek at the team’s upcoming Nike “Rivals” uniforms?

Pope Leo has a deep connection to Chicago sports, having attended Game 1 of the 2005 World Series between the White Sox and Astros. Just last month, he even caught the final out ball from former White Sox catcher, AJ Pierzynski.

In addition to the Bears jersey, Leo also received a signed jersey and bat from White Sox legend Nellie Fox. Shortly after his election by the College of Cardinals during the 2025 Pontifical Synod, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance gifted him a custom Bears jersey as well.

With Leo cheering from afar, the Bears are looking to improve upon their 11-6 record from the previous season and aim for a deeper playoff run this year. Their season kicks off on September 13 against the Panthers.