Pope Leo XIV received a special gift on October 15, 2025—a 12-year-old purebred white Arabian stallion named Proton from Polish benefactor Andrzej Michalski of Michalski Stables. The horse, known for its elegance and endurance, will live at Castel Gandolfo, the Vatican’s equestrian center, which also houses several purebred Spanish horses. Michalski chose a white horse to symbolize the Pope’s white cassock and recalled that Pope Leo XIV often rode horses during his missionary work in Peru.

Proton comes from a distinguished lineage, with his sire Kahil born in Qatar and his dam Pradera from the historic Janów Podlaski stud farm. The Michalski horse farm, besides breeding and competitions, also offers hippotherapy for children with motor disabilities. The Pope was delighted with the gift, enjoying a short walk holding Proton’s reins, highlighting the meaningful connection between the Holy Father and equestrian tradition.