Pope Leo XIV has become the first-ever American-born leader of the Catholic Church in history. To celebrate his inauguration, JD Vance, along with his wife, Usha Vance, met the pontiff. During the closed-door meeting, the Vice President presented a special gift to the Pope that has sparked a conversation on social media.
Pope Leo XIV received a Bears jersey with the nameplate “Pope Leo”. The number XIV was also stitched onto the back. “So, this, of course, is a Chicago Bears jersey. As you can probably imagine, the United States people are extremely excited about you,” JD said.
The Pope, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, was seemingly happy with the gift as he replied, “Good choice.” The Chicago native is known for his love for North American sports. Initially, it was reported that he was a Cubs fan, but later, the Pope’s brother set the record straight, revealing that he actually cheers for the White Sox.
“Yeah, he was never, ever a Cubs fan, I don’t know where that came from,” John, his brother, revealed to WGN News. “He was always a Sox fan. Our mother was a Cubs fan, our dad was a Cardinals fan. I don’t know where that all came from.”
Many fans also spotted him rooting for the MLB club during Game 1 of the 2005 World Series. It is also said that he directly impacted the team’s jersey sales.
However, NFL fans are scratching their heads to understand why the Vice President of America chose to gift Leo a Bears jersey. One X (formerly Twitter) user wrote, “Why does JD Vance get to present the Bears jersey? He has nothing to do with the Bears? MIke Ditka or another Bears legend should have presented.”
Another echoed, “JD Vance has no connection to the bears. why is he presenting a bears jersey lol.” One user took a jab, saying that Vance has now cursed the Bears, referring to the theories of how things get bad after he involves himself in it.
he just killed the bears didnt he…
— JoeyD (@joedixoncomedy) May 19, 2025
“Can we get JD Vance away from anything Chicago Bears? Before he makes them even worse than they already are?” Another chimed in, “Walking grim reaper JD Vance touches a Bears jersey. Greeaaaaaat.”
The Vice President also presented a personal letter from Donald Trump and Melania. In the letter, the First couple extended “their warm wishes” to the new Pope, also formally inviting him to the White House. “This is a letter from the President and First Lady, inviting you to come [to the White House],”Vance explained. “I know you have many things to do, but wanted to make sure I gave you that letter,” he added.
Pope Leo also thanked the Second couple for the gift, the letter, and for just stopping by the Vatican. He also hinted at future meetings with the Vice President. “Thank you for being here for the celebration. I’m sure we will meet again and be in contact,” the pontiff said.
JD Vance and Pope Leo XIV’s highly-anticipated encounter finally took place as the Vice President stopped by Vatican, with his wife, Usha Vance.
During their meeting, Vance delivered a letter from the White House to Pope Leo XIV.
