Kelly’s Sports Donates Custom “Pope Francis” St. Joseph Prep Jersey Presented to Holy Father by Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter in Vatican City, Rome

For Kelly’s Sports, creating custom sports team Jerseys for dignitaries is nothing new. Still, the moment of pride in seeing Philadelphia’s Mayor Michael Nutter present a custom St. Joseph Prep Academy Jersey to Pope Francis at the Vatican was certainly surreal beyond measure. The Jersey, which was donated by Kelly’s for the occasion, was emblazoned with "Pope Francis" above the number “1.”

Presented in St. Peter’s Square as Hundreds of Thousands of Catholics looked on, Mayor Nutter certainly could not have had greater pride for his alma mater than in personally presenting the gift to the Holy Father. Mayor Nutter, Governor Tom Corbett and other dignitaries from the state were in Rome to help sway the leader of the Catholic Church to come to Philadelphia for next year’s World Meeting of Families.

The pope was visibly pleased with the gift as he smiled and shared a handshake with Nutter and the mayor's chief of staff, Everett Gillison. Along with the SJP Football jersey Mayor Nutter also presented Pope Francis with an official letter of invitation for the 2015 event that was signed by the Prep Class of 2016 and written in English, Latin and Spanish. They also presented Pope Francis with a small replica of Philly’s own Liberty Bell as well as a selection of Philly sports jerseys including Sixers, Phillies, Eagles, Flyers and Union jerseys. The mayor also gave the Pope a miniature replica of the Liberty Bell.

The Photo and video from major news outlets of the mayor presenting the Jersey on Tuesday has been seen around the world with everyone all smiles including the Holy Father. While the Vatican says it is too early to announce travel plans for the Pope, the meeting bodes well for seeing Francis at next year’s World Meeting of Families. A mass held by the pope during the event next year would likely attract millions to Philadelphia.