Interesting fact: Proton, the Pope’s horse

Proton, the Arabian horse gifted to Pope Leo XIV: a gift with profound significance

During the general audience on 16th October, Pope Leo XIV received an unexpected gift: Proton, a Arabian thoroughbred horse 12 years old, gifted by the Polish breeder Andrzej Michalski. The gesture originated from a photograph depicting the Pope on horseback during his mission in  Peru: an image that inspired Michalski to offer him an animal ‘worthy of his white suit’.

Proton has prestigious bloodline: his sire, Kahil, comes from the United States; his dam, Pradera, from the renowned stud farm of Janów Podlaski, Poland. The mare’s dam is also related to the Jordanian royal family. The horse is distinguished by its light grey coat and elegant gait.

The Vaticano accepted the gift with enthusiasm: the Pope stroked Proton and shared the moment with the public. The horse will probably be housed at  Castel Gandolfo. Michalski expressed his wish that, if necessary, the animal be  auctioned per aiutare i poveri, in linea con lo spirito dell’esortazione apostolica Dilexi te.

In an age of technological gifts, the horse given to the Pope represents a return to the symbolism of simplicity, nature and practical care.