Bears QB Caleb Williams gifts Pope Leo XIV autographed jersey
ESPN • • sports
Key Points:
- Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pope and a Chicago native, received an autographed Bears jersey from quarterback Caleb Williams, gifted through Williams' Caleb Cares foundation and presented by U.S. Ambassador Brian Burch on July 4.
- Williams inscribed the No. 18 jersey with "AMDG," a Latin phrase meaning "For the greater glory of God," referencing his Jesuit-founded high school, Gonzaga College High School.
- The jersey features white and orange colors not typically worn by the Bears, possibly previewing Chicago's Nike "Rivalries" alternate uniforms for the 2026 season.
- Pope Leo XIV has a strong connection to Chicago sports, having attended the 2005 World Series, received the final out ball from A.J. Pierzynski, and been gifted memorabilia from White Sox legends Paul Konerko and Nellie Fox.
