Pope Leo XIV joins Hollywood stars on world's best-dressed list

Pope Leo XIV's distinctive fashion sense has captured global attention, earning him a spot on 'Vanity Fair's' prestigious list of the world's best-dressed individuals for 2026. The 70-year-old pontiff is recognized for elevating papal style to what the magazine describes as a "heavenly level," placing him in the company of Hollywood stars and global music icons.

'Vanity Fair' specifically noted the "innate Americanness" of Pope Leo XIV's style. Born in Chicago, he has cultivated a unique and recognizable look by combining custom-made liturgical vestments with vintage and contemporary accessories. This approach has attracted a dedicated following among fashion enthusiasts.

His sartorial choices extend beyond traditional papal attire. Instead of the customary red papal slippers, he opts for simple black Oxford shoes. He is also known to wear a vintage Swiss quartz watch and carries a well-worn briefcase. Notably, during a general audience in St. Peter's Square in June 2025, he wore a Chicago White Sox baseball cap atop his papal vestments.

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The way the world has received this pope has been astonishing to me.

For more formal occasions, Pope Leo XIV collaborates with Italian designer Filippo Sorcinelli, who has previously created vestments for Popes Benedict XVI and Francis. Experts suggest that Pope Leo XIV's modern image aligns with the Catholic Church's efforts to engage younger generations, particularly Gen Z, presenting the papacy as a "modern force."

Robert Orsi, a professor of religious studies at Northwestern University, expressed his astonishment at the global reaction to the new pope, noting that his appeal extends to younger demographics partly through his critical remarks on artificial intelligence and his calls for peace.

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The innate Americanness of his way of dressing.