Michigan may not be very fond of the Fighting Irish, but on Wednesday’s agenda in Italy, the Wolverines got a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet the top Catholic there is.
The Michigan Wolverines continued their visit to Rome with one of the coolest highlights of the trip when they met with Pope Francis in Vatican City. They came bearing gifts for the pope as well. Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh presented the pope with a customized Michigan football helmet and a pair of Jordans. Harbaugh even took off his Michigan hat for the moment.
@UMichFootball Coach Jim Harbaugh giving #PopeFrancis a little something from Michigan this morning. @CoachJim4UM pic.twitter.com/tTxSwJgZ2T
— Alan Holdren (@AlanHoldren) April 26, 2017
The Michigan helmet had a matte finish (which is awesome) and a decal on the back featuring the flags of Italy and the United States. No word on whether Pope Francis laced up the Jordans. Notre Dame is an Under Armour school, after all.
Ahhhhh…🙌🏽 for his holiness @Pontifex Pope 266 "Non rinunciare ai tuoi sogni di un mondo più giusto" 🙏🏽 #ForzaBlu 🇺🇸🇮🇹⛪️ pic.twitter.com/7HdMxPl1Fc
— Michigan Equipment (@HailEquipment) April 21, 2017
MLive.com reports Michigan had plans to have players Grant Newsome and Salim Makki join Harbaugh in the line to shake hands with the pope, but they were forced to sit with the rest of the team due to space limitations in St. Peter’s Square.
Pope John Francis got a pair of @umichbball Jordan 5 PEs! Here's how: https://t.co/0fpwSrY944 pic.twitter.com/0sCwFkM0yi
— Sneaker News (@SneakerNews) April 26, 2017
Unfortunately, Harbaugh didn’t get a chance to break out his selfie stick for a photo with the Pope. He will have some photos to put in the office, however.
There is no word to describe the inner beauty that shines through the eyes of our Holy Father and his words… "Pray for me" pic.twitter.com/doUpeajuRp
— Coach Harbaugh (@CoachJim4UM) April 26, 2017
