Extraordinary Encounter in the Vatican: Eight-Year-Old Boy from Wrocław Exchanged Skullcaps with Pope Leo XIV

During a February pilgrimage to the Vatican, a group of altar servers from the Parish of the Redeemer of the World in Wrocław participated in a general audience led by Pope Leo XIV. The highlight of the event, which took place in the Paul VI Audience Hall, was the spontaneous exchange of a skullcap between the Holy Father and 8-year-old Mateusz Siewiera. Encouraged by his guardians, the boy had prepared an identical head covering in advance, hoping for the rare gesture of papal kindness. Thanks to his determination and loud shouts in Italian, the young Pole was noticed by the pope in the crowd of faithful. The custom of exchanging skullcaps with the pope gained popularity during the pontificates of John Paul II and Francis. Although diplomatic protocol is strict, popes often consent to this gesture towards children, symbolizing their openness and direct contact with people. The trip of the Wrocław altar servers to Rome was not limited to the meeting with the head of the Church. The formation program included prayer at the tombs of former Church leaders, including John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis. The pilgrimage participants also had the opportunity to visit the underground of St. Peter's Basilica, known as the Vatican Necropolis (Scavi), where the tomb of the apostle considered the foundation of the Christian community is located. This trip served as recognition for their years of engagement in service at the altar. 8 years — the age of Mateusz Siewiera, who exchanged skullcaps with the pope Reports of this event quickly dominated the social media of the Archdiocese of Wrocław, generating widespread enthusiasm. Mateusz himself recalled that waving and loudly calling out to the pope, as suggested by his priest guardian, proved crucial. This incident fits into the tradition of direct interactions between popes and the faithful, which often become the most memorable moments of pontificates. The situation also demonstrated the great empathy of Leo XIV, who, despite numerous duties, found a moment for a personal gesture towards the youngest pilgrim from Poland. „I shouted 'Holy Father' in Italian, just as the priest told me, and I waved. Suddenly he noticed me.” — Mateusz Siewiera [{"dateISO": "2026-02-14", "date": "February 14, 2026", "title": "Arrival in Rome", "description": "Beginning of the pilgrimage for altar servers from Wrocław as a reward for their service."}, {"dateISO": "2025-02-15T12:00", "date": "February 15, noon", "title": "General Audience", "description": "Central point of the trip and meeting with the pope in the Paul VI Audience Hall."}, {"dateISO": "2026-02-15T12:15", "date": "February 15, 12:15", "title": "Skullcap Exchange", "description": "The moment the eight-year-old Mateusz handed the white skullcap to the pope."}, {"dateISO": "2026-02-16", "date": "February 16, 2026", "title": "Publication of Reports", "description": "Archdiocesan social media shares photos from the event."}]