Pope Leo XIV greets people attending the Meeting for Friendship Among Peoples, hosted by the Catholic lay movement, Communion and Liberation, in Rimini, Italy, Aug. 22, 2026. (CNS/Vatican Media)
While visiting the Italian city of Rimini for the 47th annual "Meeting for Friendship Among Peoples" Pope Leo XIV received an unexpected gift: a pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses similar to a pair he sported as a young seminarian, when he was dressed up as a member of "The Blues Brothers," the iconic 1980 movie set in Leo's hometown of Chicago.
Renowned saxophonist "Blue Lou" Marini, who was part of the Blues Brothers band, was at the Aug. 22 event, which was held during Leo's brief trip to both Rimini and the Republic of San Marino.
The beloved blues revue were instantly recognizable for their dark suits, trilby hats and Ray-Ban sunglasses, a look which the young Robert Prevost once sported in a now-famous photograph from his Chicago seminary days.
Joined by his wife Carmen, Marini brought a pair of the same style of Ray-Bans Leo wore in the photo to present to the pope, telling Vatican News that his only regret was being unable to have them inscribed prior with the words "Papa Cool."
After Marini gave an interview to Vatican News, the pope found time to talk with him. Marini presented Leo with two rosaries and the Ray-Bans, prompting a laugh from the pope.
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