Website Title:Visitors to Vatican City this week offered an unexpected twist on papal diplomacy—delivering a Chicago Bears-themed gift to Pope Leo XIV during their vacation.

According to USA Today Touchdown Wire, A group of Bears fans brought a custom "Da Pope" shirt to the pontiff, referencing his Chicago roots and reinforcing his ongoing ties to the Windy City's sports culture.

The group, whose visit to the Vatican included a papal audience, presented the pope with a shirt styled after the popular “Da Bears” catchphrase made famous by the "Bill Swerski's Superfans" skit from “Saturday Night Live.”

The shirt displayed the phrase “Da Pope,” a playful nod meant to mirror the iconic chant used by Chicago sports fans while paying homage to Pope Leo XIV’s Midwestern upbringing.

A video shared online by Ann Bannapradist Munoz captured the moment Pope Leo XIV held up the shirt, smiling as he displayed it for the crowd, suggesting a warm reception to the gift despite the papacy’s more formal traditions.

Papal Visit Receives a Chicago-Style Twist

Pope Leo XIV’s roots in the Chicagoland area have long been part of his public identity, and the visit from Bears fans further spotlighted that connection between spiritual leadership and regional loyalty.

Despite Vatican protocol and the solemnity of most papal audiences, this particular interaction stood out because of its humorous and culturally specific gift, rooted in the shared identity of both the gift-givers and the recipient.

The “Da Bears” skit from “Saturday Night Live” remains a beloved pop culture reference among Chicagoans, making the phrase “Da Pope” both a regional and comedic gesture of appreciation.

Sports And Faith Cross Paths In Rome

The pope’s ties to Chicago sports extend beyond this most recent gift. Earlier in the year, U.S. Vice President JD Vance presented Pope Leo XIV with a customized Bears jersey bearing the name “Pope Leo” and the number XIV.

That moment also attracted media interest, continuing to build the narrative of the pope as an unofficial mascot or symbol of good luck for Chicago sports teams navigating challenges and rebuilding seasons.

While Pope Leo XIV is known to favor the Chicago White Sox, sports fans across the city have embraced him in fun and hopeful ways, suggesting that his leadership brings good fortune both spiritually and athletically.

Excitement Swirls Around Bears' Future

The recent gift arrives as the Bears organization undergoes promising changes that have energized the fan base entering the new NFL season.

Earlier this year, the Bears secured Ben Johnson, one of the league’s most sought-after coaching candidates, indicating a strategic new chapter for the franchise.

They also drafted Caleb Williams as quarterback, a decision widely seen as the foundation for the team’s long-term rebuilding efforts and present-day ambitions.

Baseball Hopes Rise Amid Football Buzz

While the Bears remain central to the city’s football identity, Chicago’s MLB teams are also giving fans reasons to be optimistic, especially the Cubs.

As of now, the Cubs boast the best record in the National League, though jokes among city fans continue to link such success to divine intervention courtesy of the pope.

Though tongue-in-cheek, many sports fans have described Pope Leo XIV as a kind of spiritual “good luck charm” since his appointment, citing the gradually improving outlook for several Chicago teams.

In a time of strong cultural and spiritual symbolism, the pope’s enthusiastic reception of Bears gear reinforces his enduring connection with fans from his hometown region.

As the NFL season looms and Chicago teams regroup for fresh seasons, many fans will keep an eye on both the scoreboard and the Vatican, hopeful that the “Da Pope” charm continues to deliver wins.