24-04-2025
Kentucky priest asks what to do with UK jersey signed by late pope, head coach
LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — In the wake of Pope Francis' passing on Monday, April 21, a Kentucky priest is left wondering what to do with one of the last gifts from him.
Father Jim Sichko, Papal Missionary of Mercy, posted a video on Facebook just before 1 p.m. on Thursday, asking the community what to do with the last items that the Pope had given to him.
Kentucky priest asks what to do with UK jersey signed by late pope, head coach
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'I remember when I went to the Vatican the last time I saw him, just about three months ago, he, without me asking, he signed the UK jersey that Coach Pope had autographed for me to give to Pope Francis,' Fr. Jim said. 'I just don't know what to do with it!'
Sichko presented the jersey, signed by University of Kentucky men's basketball head coach Mark Pope, to Pope Francis in May of 2024. On the same day, Pope Francis also signed two bottles of Sichko's Kentucky Bourbon, Papal Willett, which are decorated with the Papal Seal and the Pope's coat of arms. Those bottles would go on to sell for about $30,000, benefitting Paws 4 the Cause.
Sichko said he was torn between keeping and cherishing the double-signed jersey, giving it to UK Athletics or other university leaders, or putting it up for auction and donating the benefits to a Kentucky charity.
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Kentucky priest asks what to do with UK jersey signed by late pope, head coach
'Someone suggested that maybe I ask you all,' Sichko said. 'Just let me know what your thoughts are.'
Fr. Jim said the jersey was the last item he had received from Pope Francis.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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