The Pope signed a Kentucky jersey signed by Mark Pope
A Kentucky basketball jersey signed by both Popes?! It exists thanks to Father Jim Sichko of Lexington, who packed a jersey signed by Mark Pope on his latest trip to the Vatican to see Pope Francis. Father Jim has delivered several Kentucky-themed gifts to the Pope in the past–a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle and an unsigned Mark Pope jersey, to name a few–but his latest run-in with the Pope produced one of the most unique pieces of Kentucky memorabilia… ever?
The two Popes jersey is undoubtedly one of one:
Father Jim shared a video of Pope Francis signing the jersey on Twitter/X for anyone interested in the process or doubting the jersey’s authenticity.
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Bourbon To The Pope
The Pope loves Kentucky bourbon, apparently. Two years ago, Father Jim Sichko delivered him the limited Citrus Bowl edition of Wm. Tarr, the bourbon brand attached to Mark Stoops. Legend has it that Francis loved Benny Snell and Lynn Bowden.
Before that, a Vatican trip in 2018 included a bottle of 23-year-old Pappy Van Winkle for the Pope, who will occasionally sip with close friends, Sichko has heard. Sometimes, Sichko has taken gifts to be signed and brought back for charity auctions in Kentucky. For instance, a 2021 auction raised money for tornado relief in Western Kentucky.
The “Two Popes” jersey will be up for auction soon if you’re interested.
More on Father Jim Sichko
Fr. Jim Sichko is a priest of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lexington, KY, and has been an internationally known preacher, evangelist, and motivational speaker for over 25 years. In 2015, Pope Francis commissioned Fr. Jim as a Papal Missionary of Mercy in conjunction with the Extraordinary Jubilee Year, making him one of 100 in the United States and 1,000 in the world.
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