Story perspectives

First American Pope Gets Signed Bears Jersey

7/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

Pope Leo XIV received a signed Chicago Bears jersey from quarterback Caleb Williams, presented by U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See Brian Burch on July 4.
The white jersey, number 18 with “AMDG,” was sent through Williams’ Caleb Cares foundation and is not a standard uniform, possibly previewing the team’s Nike “Rivalries” alternate for 2026.
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, is a Chicago native and the first American-born pope in Catholic-Church history.

History

Historical Context

When Karol Wojtyla was elected Pope John Paul II in October 1978, he became the first non-Italian pontiff in 455 years, breaking a centuries-old pattern. His 1979 visit to the White House with President Jimmy Carter and a widely televised address showed a new media-savvy papacy, a trend continued in large youth gatherings such as the 1995 Manila World Youth Day that drew up to four million people.

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Story summary

Pope Leo XIV received a signed Chicago Bears jersey from quarterback Caleb Williams, presented by U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See Brian Burch on July 4.
The white jersey, number 18 with “AMDG,” was sent through Williams’ Caleb Cares foundation and is not a standard uniform, possibly previewing the team’s Nike “Rivalries” alternate for 2026.
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, is a Chicago native and the first American-born pope in Catholic-Church history.

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