In mid-October 2025, a striking presentation took place at the Vatican: a powerful, elegant white Arabian stallion named Proton was presented to Pope Leo XIV. This gift carried rich symbolism, a deep connection to equestrian heritage, and a remarkable pedigree – melding faith, horses, and charitable intent in one act. Other donors have already gifted the Pope a white motorcycle and an electric car. Now, Pope Leo XIV has received a very special white horse.
A gift with significance
On 15 October 2025, just prior to the weekly General Audience at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV accepted Proton, a twelve-year-old purebred Arabian stallion, from Polish breeder and philanthropist Andrzej Michalski, founder of the Michalski Stud Farm in Kołobrzeg-Budzistowo, a village in northwestern Poland. Andrzej explained that the idea came to him after seeing photographs of the Pope during his missionary time in Peru, riding a horse. He felt compelled to present “a beautiful Arabian horse – one worthy of him, and white, because white naturally corresponds to the Pope’s white cassock.” Andrzej explained that this gesture was his way of expressing gratitude and responding to the Pope’s appeal to strengthen love through concrete actions.
By gifting a white stallion, the gesture conveyed not only admiration and respect but also a symbolic image: purity, service, and continuity of tradition. The white horse, an animal historically associated with nobility, elegance, and in some cultures spiritual significance, here becomes a bridge between the world of elite equestrian breeding and the world of the Catholic Church.
Horses were traditionally part of papal ceremonies in the past. As early as the 19th century, Arabian stallions were given as gifts to the pope of the time. The ruler of the Ottoman Empire, the Sultan of Constantinople, gave Pope Gregory XVI several Arabian stallions. This marked the beginning of a new era between the Sublime Porte and the Vatican. These Arabian stallions remained in the Vatican for a long time. Numerous popes throughout history were horse lovers. In addition, there used to be several groups in the Vatican that owned horses, such as the Papal Noble Guard, which was partly mounted until 1905. And of course, there were still carriages and stables in the Vatican until the 1920s – simply because they were needed on a daily basis.
Proton
Proton is not merely a random horse. He is a purebred Arabian stallion, born in 2013, and he combines fascinating type and elegance with a very friendly character and a great pedigree. His sire is the Arabian stallion Kahil al Shaqab (Marwan al Shaqab x OFW Mishaahl), born at the Qatari stud farm Al Shaqab. The legendary Kahil al Shaqab is a multiple champion stallion known for his exceptional pedigree and himself a sire of great progeny. He is the son of three-time World Champion Marwan al Shaqab (Gazal al Shaqab x Little Liza Fame) and OFW Mishaahl (Mishaah x OFW Balarina) and was himself named World Junior Champion in 2011 and World Champion Stallion in 2014. In 2018, Kahil al Shaqab returned to the show-ring in Paris and was crowned Platinum World Champion Male at the World Championships.
Proton’s dam is the purebred Arabian mare Pradera (Hlayyil Ramadan x Pohulanka), originating from the historic Janów Podlaski stud farm in Poland. Proton’s maternal grandsire is the stallion Hlayyil Ramadan, bred and owned by the Royal Stables of Jordan. Hlayyil Ramadan is a successful blend of Egyptian and rare old Jordanian lines, with several generations on his female line all bred at the Royal Stables. Hlayyil Ramadan has represented Jordan at the 2002 and 2004 World Championships, and was named 2004 European Champion Stallion. He is a multiple-champion stallion in the Middle East and in Europe. Furthermore, he was honoured with the 2006 WAHO Trophy for Jordan. Pohulanka, meanwhile, is a daughter of Pepton (Bandos x Pemba) and out of Pestka (Probat x Pentoda), bringing in these classic and much-admired Polish bloodlines.
Andrzej purchased Proton as a young colt and raised him on his estate, emphasising that “the horse moves beautifully and is exceptionally handsome.” Given these facts, Proton represents more than just a horse: he is a living bearer of equestrian heritage, a link between European, American, and Middle Eastern Arabian breeding lines, and a symbol of cross-cultural appreciation of the Arabian horse.
Michalski Stud Farm
The Michalski Stud Farm is owned by a Catholic family – one of their show jumping venues is even named after St John Paul II. The Michalski Stud Farm is not only a place for horse breeding, training, and competitions; it also runs a centre for hippotherapy, a form of therapy that uses the rhythmic movement of a horse to engage sensory, neuromotor, and cognitive systems.
“When I worked with people with disabilities, hippotherapy sessions were held at Andrzej’s riding centre. This therapy is a real blessing, especially for children with physical disabilities,” stated Anna Mieczkowska, Mayor of Kołobrzeg, who also came to the Vatican.
Andrzej added: “Our centre organises major equestrian competitions and hippotherapy for people with disabilities; we hold sessions two or three times a week. We are now preparing to organise a small Polish championship soon, for children with disabilities riding wooden horses.”
The Presentation at the Vatican
Proton is no ordinary horse. “He is one that Pope Leo would be completely satisfied with,” Andrzej remarked. “He is a calm, yet beautiful stallion, because, as we know, Arabians are the most beautiful.”
The presentation ceremony had symbolic and emotional resonance. It took place in the early morning, with Proton arriving via a special transport route through Germany and Austria to Rome, reaching the Vatican gardens at about 7.30am. The Pope was reportedly already waiting, underscoring the significance attributed to the gift. Andrzej Michalski, his son and his nephew first had the chance to greet the Pope. In addition, a letter from Andrzej to the Holy Father was read, stating the farm’s mission, including horse breeding, competitions, and hippotherapy. He asked for a blessing for the farm’s upcoming 30th anniversary.
During the meeting, the Pope approached Proton and patted his beautiful head. The Pope was handed the reins, and he walked alongside Proton, holding the reins in an experienced way. “The Pope was very happy; we led the horse together. He was delighted, and we were overjoyed,” Andrzej recounted. Receiving the unusual gift, Pope Leo smiled widely. “He touched us all. He didn’t even want to part with the stallion for long. We accompanied the horse to the Pope-mobile, together with the Holy Father,”
Andrzej recalls the special moment. Proton himself was attentive, but very relaxed, showing off his wonderful charisma and splendid white beauty. His huge dark eyes watched everything and everybody in his own trustful and very positive way. Indeed, a prime example and perfect ambassador for the Arabian horse!
Proton is to be housed at the Papal Equestrian Centre at Castel Gandolfo, the summer residence of the Pope, which also contains stables for purebred Spanish horses and other equine activities. There is much more space there compared to the Vatican in the middle of Rome. Castel Gandolfo is located 24km southeast of Rome in the Alban Hills above Lake Albano.
The presentation combined personal rapport, equestrian tradition, and visible symbolism of a special horse meeting one of the most prominent spiritual leaders.
