Foto: Famous Campaigns/Instagram/picture alliance/ASSOCIATED PRESS
Social media users were quick to discern an iconic model – the Nike Franchise Low. These sneakers were first released back in the 1970s and then re-released in 2008, writes Bild. The unusual combination of the papal robe and retro sneakers instantly generated a wave of memes and discussions: many considered the image “the most modern” in the history of the Vatican.
However, the pontiffs’ love of unusual footwear is almost a tradition. In 2005, Benedict XVI became a worldwide sensation thanks to bright red shoes, which the media attributed to the fashion house Prada. The press dubbed him the “Prada Pope,” although the Vatican later clarified that the shoes were handmade by a Vatican cobbler.
Benedict’s successor, Pope Francis, has not escaped fashion attention either. He was once given personalized Nike sneakers in the Vatican’s white and yellow colors with the inscriptions “Papa” and “Francis.” However, in everyday life, Francis preferred simple black orthopedic sneakers – because of chronic knee problems.
Now the fashion baton seems to have been picked up by Leo XIV. And while some are discussing the new pontiff’s reforms, others are arguing about which Nike’s go better with the papal vestments.
