Bob Dylan doesn’t do dress codes. On Wednesday, the 85-year-old music legend visited the Apostolic Palace for a surprise private meeting with Pope Leo XIV, and he walked in wearing a black hoodie, matching trousers, gloves, and a polka dot scarf. While everyone pictured suits and formalities, Dylan stayed Dylan. The Vatican, to its credit, seemed completely fine with it.
The meeting was brief, but the gifts told the real story. Pope Leo gave Dylan a rosary. Dylan gave the pope a copy of his autobiography,“Chronicles: Volume One.”It’s a small exchange with a lot behind it: Leo recently quoted Dylan’s unpublished 1963 protest song“Go Away You Bomb”in his book“Disarmed and Disarming,”making clear the pope is a serious Dylan fan, not just a casual one.
Leo, the first American-born pope, has been on a pop culture streak since being named pontiff in May 2025, having already met Patti Smith and Bad Bunny this year. So the Vatican’s guest list is officially the most surprising one in the world right now. Which pop star do you think should get an invite next?
About the Author
Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.