Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams has sent an autographed jersey to Pope Leo XIV, who is a Chicago native and the first American-born pope. The gift was presented by U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See Brian Burch on July 4.
The jersey, autographed by Williams, features a personalized greeting "To: Pope Leo" and includes the hashtags #DaPope, #DaBears, and #Heisman22. Williams also inscribed his No. 18 jersey with the Latin phrase "Ad majorem Dei gloriam," meaning "For the greater glory of God."
Williams shared a photo of the Pope and Ambassador Burch on his Instagram story with the caption "shoutout DAAAA POPEEEE." The white jersey with orange numbers may be an early look at the Bears' Nike "Rivalries" uniform.
Pope Leo XIV has a noted connection to Chicago sports. He previously attended Game 1 of the 2005 World Series between the White Sox and Astros. In June 2026, former White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski presented the Pope with the ball from the game's final out. The Pope has also received a signed Paul Konerko jersey and a bat from White Sox legend Nellie Fox.
Shortly after his election in the 2025 papal conclave, U.S. Vice President JD Vance presented the Pope with a custom Bears jersey.
The Bears are preparing for their 2026 season, looking to build on an 11-6 record and a Divisional Round appearance in 2025. Their season is scheduled to begin on September 13 at the Carolina Panthers.