Pope Leo XIV, in the top of the best-dressed personalities of 2026

Pope Leo XIV was included by the American magazine Vanity Fair in the list of the best-dressed personalities of 2026, in the category "The Originals", dedicated to the most unconventional and innovative clothing styles. The sovereign pontiff is on the same list as musicians Björk and Rosalía and director Spike Lee.

Vanity Fair noted the unconventional clothing style of Leo XIV, the first pope from the United States, in particular the combination of traditional garments and elements associated with the casual American style. The category "The Originals" brings together personalities considered by the publication as the "most extravagant and innovative" in clothing. In the case of the pope, the magazine also highlighted the association of the cream cassock with Nike sports shoes and occasional appearances with baseball caps. His style is described as a combination of papal dress tradition and elements of American culture. Leo XIV was included in this category along with Spike Lee, figure skater Alysa Liu, curator Thelma Golden, Colby Mugrabi, Hilton Als, designer Sandy Powell, and singers Rosalía, Yseult, and Björk.

• Not his first fashion recognition

His inclusion in the Vanity Fair list is the second major recognition Pope Leo XIV has received from a fashion publication during his pontificate. In December 2025, Vogue magazine included him among its 55 best-dressed people of the year. The publication noted at the time the return to certain elements of papal dress tradition, including elaborate liturgical vestments, following the more sober style adopted by his predecessor, Pope Francis. Vanity Fair also paid special attention to the sports shoes worn by Leo XIV. The magazine reported in May that real-life images of the pontiff wearing a pair of Nike Franchise Low Plus sneakers had gone viral. The photos were from a Vatican documentary about the current pope's time in Rome before his election.

• A Pope with a Distinct Public Image

Leo XIV was elected pope on May 8, 2025, following the death of Pope Francis. A native of Chicago, Robert Francis Prevost became the first American citizen to be elected pontiff. His public image has included elements that have attracted attention beyond the religious sphere from the beginning. Among these were his passion for baseball and the Chicago White Sox. Photos of him wearing the team's cap have been widely circulated in the international press. For Vanity Fair, however, the interest is not only related to individual clothing items, but also to the way they build a recognizable style. The 2026 list marks the publication's return to its traditional ranking of the best-dressed personalities and is divided into five categories: "The Originals", "The Perennials", "The Professionals", "The Duos" and "The Future". Thus, the inclusion of Pope Leo XIV in "The Originals" places him in a category in which the magazine rewards, rather than following fashion trends, originality, individuality and the ability to surprise with one's own style.