Pope Leo XIV was given a Formula 1 steering wheel used by Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc during a private gathering at the Vatican. Ferrari chairman John Elkann also presented the pontiff with a scale model of the Ferrari SF90 XX Stradale as part of the event, highlighting the connection between the Church and the world of motorsport.
Details of the Ferrari Steering Wheel Gift
In a video shared by Rome Reports, John Elkann, accompanied by his wife Donna Lavinia Borromeo, handed over the steering wheel to the Pope, emphasizing its authenticity. Elkann noted the practical features of the wheel, pointing out the quick-release mechanism beneath it.
A steering wheel… so this is really used,
Elkann said as the Pope examined the item closely.
You’d need to connect it to a car,
he added, referring to the technical aspect of the wheel’s design.
Curious, the pontiff asked,
So this is a real steering wheel from a real car?
Elkann affirmed,
This is real. It was really used,
confirming the genuine nature of the gift.
Additional Ferrari Model Presented and Historical Context
Alongside the steering wheel, Elkann presented a miniature version of the SF90 XX Stradale, an exclusive model owned by Charles Leclerc, stating it was to
remind you of your passion for driving,
a nod to the Pope’s enthusiasm.
The Vatican is no stranger to Ferrari gifts; Michael Schumacher’s 2003 Ferrari steering wheel is displayed in the Carriage Pavilion, bearing the inscription,
Il volante della F1 Campione del Mondo a Sua Santità Benedetto XVI, pilota della cristianità
(
“The steering wheel of the F1 World Champion to His Holiness Benedict XVI, pilot of Christianity”
). This was gifted to Pope Benedict XVI on December 6, 2005, by then Ferrari president Luca Cordero di Montezemolo.
Additionally, Pope Benedict XVI once received a Ferrari Enzo, one of only 400 ever made, which he later auctioned to benefit victims of the tsunami in South East Asia, further showcasing the longstanding connection between the Vatican and Ferrari.
Post-Gift Interaction and Social Media Response
Following the presentation, Pope Leo XIV and Elkann exited the event together, with the Pope showing interest in Elkann’s Jeep, a brand owned by Stellantis, the multinational company Elkann also leads.
The video of this unique exchange quickly gained attention online, amassing 2,000 upvotes on Reddit’s Formula 1 page, demonstrating strong public interest in this blend of motorsport culture and papal engagements.
