LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — University of Kentucky men’s basketball coach Mark Pope’s influence has landed in Pope Francis’ court.

On a visit to Vatican City on Wednesday, Lexington priest Father Jim Sichko presented Pope Francis with a Mark Pope Kentucky basketball jersey.

“Every time I meet with Pope Francis, I always bring him some type of gift,” Sichko told FOX 56 News. “With the naming of the new coach and his last name being Pope, I thought it would be unique to bring him a UK basketball jersey with Pope on the back!”

“I have no connections with UK Basketball; only been to one game in my life, so I contacted both President Capilouto and Coach Mark Stoops, who immediately filled my request in one day!” Sichko told FOX 56.

Pope Francis also signed two bottles of Sichko’s Kentucky Bourbon, Papal Willett, which are decorated with the Papal Seal and the Pope’s coat of arms.

“Out of 266 Roman Pontiffs, I believe this is the 1st Pope in history [sic] to ‘sign’ a bottle of bourbon or any alcohol for that matter,” Sichko said.

Sichko shared the news on X, formerly Twitter, announcing that the bottle, number one of 149, will be auctioned off.

FOX 56 reached out to UK Athletics for comment but has yet to hear back.