A kind-hearted Polish man recently gave an extraordinary gift to Pope Leo XIV: a purebred Arabian horse named Proton. This was not just any present—it was inspired by a photo of the pope riding a horse in Peru. The donor wanted something beautiful, meaningful, and symbolic.
Let us dive into this heartwarming story and see how this gift connects with faith, gratitude, and action.
The Gift: A White Arabian Horse for the Pope
Several unusual gifts have come to Pope Leo XIV over time—like a white motorbike and an electric car. Now, he has received a white horse. It is not just a token, but a symbol.
The horse, Proton, is a purebred Arabian. On a Wednesday before the Pope’s weekly General Audience, the gift was presented. The donor is Andrzej Michalski, who owns Michalski Stud Farm in Kołobrzeg-Budzistowo, Poland.
The Inspiration Behind the Gift
Mr. Michalski said that when he saw photos of the Pope riding on horseback in Peru, the idea struck him: he wanted to give a beautiful white horse, something worthy and fitting. He chose white because it matches the Pope’s white cassock—white being a symbolic color of purity and peace.
He told Vatican News that this gesture was his way of showing gratitude and responding to the Pope’s call to strengthen love not just through words but through concrete actions.
About Proton: Lineage and Training
Proton comes from an impressive background. His father was from the United States, and his mother was purchased from a princess in Jordan. The horse was born in Janów Podlaski, Poland. Mr. Michalski bought him as a young colt and raised him on his stud farm.
He described Proton as having beautiful movement and exceptional looks.
The Meeting with the Pope
When Proton was brought to the Vatican, the moment was joyful and full of respect.
- When: Just before the Pope’s Wednesday General Audience
- What happened: Michalski led the horse with the Pope by his side
- How the Pope reacted: He was “very happy” and delighted by the gift, while Michalski and his team were overjoyed
During the meeting, a letter from Michalski was read. It described his stud farm’s work and asked for blessings ahead of its 30th anniversary.
Faith, Action, and a Meaningful Gesture
In his letter to Pope Leo, Michalski quoted part of the Pope’s recent Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi te:
“Our love and our deepest convictions need to be continually cultivated … failing to give them expression through frequent and practical acts of charity … will eventually cause … even our most cherished hopes … to weaken and fade away.”
He added that with this gift, he hoped to support the Pope’s missions for the world and the Church, in keeping with his calling and duties.
Michalski Stud Farm: More Than Horse Breeding
Michalski’s farm does more than raise horses. It also runs a center for hippotherapy—a therapy that uses horse movement to help people, often those with disabilities.
- The farm holds therapy sessions two or three times a week
- These sessions help children and people with physical challenges
- It also organizes equestrian competitions, some tailored for children using wooden horses
Anna Mieczkowska, the Mayor of Kołobrzeg, spoke about how useful hippotherapy has been for children with disabilities. She mentioned that their center has worked with people who need special care and aid through the movement and companionship of horses.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Gift | Purebred Arabian horse named Proton |
| Donor | Andrzej Michalski (Michalski Stud Farm, Poland) |
| Why white | To match the Pope’s white attire, symbol of purity |
| Parentage | Father from US, mother from Jordan |
| Born in | Janów Podlaski, Poland |
| Additional work | Hippotherapy and equestrian competitions |
| Purpose | Gesture of gratitude and support for Pope’s call to action |
This story of a Polish donor gifting a purebred Arabian horse to Pope Leo XIV goes beyond a simple present. It shows how love, gratitude, and faith can be expressed in meaningful and symbolic ways.
From the donor’s inspiration to match the Pope’s image on horseback, to the efforts in hippotherapy at Michalski’s farm, the entire gesture reflects action in faith. It reminds us that real devotion isn’t just in ideas—it shines through real, concrete acts of generosity and compassion.
