Ferrari President John Elkann makes a gaffe during Vatican meeting with Pope Leo XIV

Ferrari President John Elkann makes a gaffe during Vatican meeting with Pope Leo XIV – VIDEO. Ferrari President John Elkann met Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican.

The gaffe of Ferrari President John Elkann during meeting with Pope Leo XIV

Ferrari President John Elkann met Pope Leo XIV on a special occasion at the Vatican, but the Italian entrepreneur committed a notable gaffe during the encounter. Here’s the video of the moment.

After a decidedly disappointing year for Ferrari, John Elkann addressed the Pope in a lighthearted attempt to “help” the Scuderia achieve better results—obviously in jest. Nevertheless, the Italian businessman at the helm of Ferrari made a gaffe during his meeting with the Holy Father.

A Vatican visit with a touch of irony

Elkann’s courtesy visit to the Pope was humorously presented as a solution to Ferrari’s struggles. Fans often joke online that the team wearing the prancing horse should “go to Lourdes” to start winning again, so Ferrari decided to go straight to the head of the Church. Putting the irony aside—which is perhaps the only way to cope with Ferrari’s disappointing 2025 season—here is the video of the encounter. The President also made a gaffe that went unnoticed by most but will likely upset a particular sponsor.

The Pope holds Leclerc’s steering wheel with Santander branding

On Friday, September 26, the private meeting took place between Pope Leo XIV, Ferrari and Stellantis President John Elkann, and his wife Lavinia Borromeo. The private audience was held at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican. During the meeting, John Elkann explained some details about the steering wheel used by Charles Leclerc in the 2024 Formula 1 season and presented it as a gift to the Pope. Additionally, a model of the Ferrari SF90 XX Stradale was also presented. An official statement noted that the meeting “was an opportunity for mutual acquaintance and the sharing and discussion of topics of interest to the Holy Father.”

However, one detail deserves attention. On the steering wheel, the Spanish banking sponsor Santander is clearly visible. Santander had left Ferrari at the end of 2024 following Carlos Sainz’s move to Williams. At the start of the 2025 season, UniCredit was announced as the replacement partner. This gaffe is sure to raise some eyebrows and may not sit well with the new sponsor.