As the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis, BourbonBlog.com reflects on two unforgettable stories that brought Kentucky bourbon all the way to the Vatican.
In 2018, Father Jim Sichko, a Kentucky-based Papal Missionary of Mercy, presented Pope Francis with a bottle of 23-year-old Pappy Van Winkle bourbon. Upon receiving it, the Pope recognized the gift and remarked, “very good bourbon.” This exchange highlighted the Pope’s appreciation for Kentucky’s signature spirit and set the stage for future collaborations between Sichko and the Vatican.
Building on this connection, in May 2024, Father Sichko returned to the Vatican with two specially selected bottles of Willett Family Estate Single Barrel Bourbon.
One bottle, marked “1 of 149” and bottled at 132.6 proof, commemorated Pope Francis’s 10th anniversary and featured the papal coat of arms. The second, a rarer “1 of 59” Jubilee Year of Mercy 2025 edition labeled “Pilgrims of Hope,” was bottled at 144.2 proof.
Pope Francis graciously signed both bottles and, with a smile, inquired, “Which one is mine?” Father Sichko explained that both were intended for charity auctions.
The signed bottles were auctioned at Sotheby’s in December 2024, and The Holy Father’s signature helped raise $27,500, benefiting charities such as Southeast Texas Hospice, Maxwell Street Legal Clinic, PAWS 4 the Cause, and Father Sichko’s ministry
This initiative exemplified Pope Francis’s commitment to charity and Father Sichko’s innovative approach to fundraising.
This unique intersection of faith and bourbon not only raised significant funds for charitable causes but also showcased the power of thoughtful gestures. As the world reflects on Pope Francis’s legacy, this story serves as a testament to his humility, humor, and dedication to serving others.
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Photos courtesy of Father Jim Sichko and Vatican Media.
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