Bears Quarterback Sends Autographed Jersey to Pope Leo XIV

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams sent an autographed jersey to Pope Leo XIV, a Chicago native and the first American-born pope. The jersey was delivered through Williams' foundation and presented by the U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See on July 4.

" The inscription references Williams' high school, which was founded by the Jesuits in 1821. The design may preview an alternate uniform the team could wear during the 2026 season under a league program involving NFC North and AFC South clubs.

XIV has received other Chicago sports items in the past. He attended Game 1 of the 2005 World Series and was given the ball from the final out. He has also received a signed jersey from a former Chicago player and a bat used by a White Sox great. The pope already owns a custom Bears jersey given by U.S. Vice President JD Vance shortly after his election in 2025.

He later received a Chicago Bulls jersey with the number 14 and "Pope Leo" on the nameplate from a Bulls radio broadcaster in November.