Vatican City: In a remarkable gesture of admiration and faith, Polish horse breeder Andrzej Michalski presented Pope Leo XIV with a purebred Arabian horse ahead of the Pope’s weekly General Audience on Wednesday. The gift, a stunning white stallion named Proton, follows earlier gifts to the Pontiff, including a white motorcycle and an electric car, reflecting the growing tradition of presenting symbolic tokens of goodwill to the Holy Father.
Mr. Michalski, founder and owner of the Michalski Stud Farm in Kołobrzeg-Budzistowo, Poland, said the idea was inspired by photographs of Pope Leo XIV riding a horse during his visit to Peru. “When I saw the photos of the future Pope on horseback in Peru, I wanted to give him a beautiful Arabian horse white, to reflect the Pope’s cassock, and noble in appearance,” he told Vatican News.
Proton, born at the renowned Janów Podlaski stud farm, carries a prestigious lineage. His father hailed from the United States, while his mother was acquired from a Jordanian princess. Purchased as a young colt by Michalski, Proton was raised at the family stud farm and has grown into an elegant, spirited, and exceptionally handsome horse.
The presentation of Proton was marked by warmth and joy. The Pope was visibly delighted, participating in leading the horse and receiving the gift with enthusiasm. Michalski also read a letter to the Holy Father describing the stud farm’s work and requesting a blessing in anticipation of its 30th anniversary next year.
In his letter, Michalski referenced Pope Leo XIV’s Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi te, highlighting the importance of translating love and faith into tangible actions. “Remaining in the realm of ideas and theories, while failing to give them expression through frequent and practical acts of charity, will eventually cause even our most cherished hopes and aspirations to weaken and fade away,” he quoted, adding that his gift was a personal attempt to contribute to the Pope’s mission for the Church and the world.
Beyond horse breeding, the Michalski Stud Farm operates a center for hippotherapy, providing therapy for people with disabilities through the movement and interaction with horses. Anna Mieczkowska, Mayor of Kołobrzeg, who accompanied the delegation, highlighted the therapeutic impact of these sessions, particularly for children with physical challenges. Michalski explained that the center conducts hippotherapy sessions two to three times a week and organizes equestrian competitions, including events for children using wooden horses to prepare for next month’s small Polish championship.
The gift of Proton, blending elegance, heritage, and therapeutic symbolism, was not only a tribute to Pope Leo XIV’s love for animals but also a testament to the values of compassion, service, and practical charity emphasized in his teachings.
This latest gesture underscores the intersection of faith, culture, and human kindness, resonating deeply with the Pontiff’s emphasis on translating spiritual inspiration into acts that enrich lives and communities.