Before the general audience on Oct. 15, Pope Leo XIV was gifted with a 12-year-old purebred Arabian horse named Proton.

The white horse is a gift from Michalski Stables in Kołobrzeg-Budzistowo, and will reside in Castel Gandolfo, home to the Vatican’s equestrian center. Several purebred Spanish horses are also kept at the facility located within the papal complex.

The horse belongs to one of the oldest and most esteemed equine breeds in the world, known for its elegance and endurance.

According to the Vatican, the Pole Andrzej Michalski, president of the Michalski horse farm, offered the beautiful specimen to the Holy Father, recalling that during his time as a missionary in Peru, Pope Leo XIV frequently rode horses.

“The pope was very pleased. Holding the reins, we led him off together, taking him for a short walk. He was very satisfied; we were very happy,” Michalski told Vatican News.

The Michalski horse farm is not only a place for horse breeding and equestrian competitions, but is also a center for hippotherapy (also known as equine-assisted therapy), especially useful for children with motor disabilities.

Proton’s lineage is notable. His sire, the stallion Kahil, was born at the American branch of a stud farm in Qatar, while his dam, Pradera, comes from the historic Janów Podlaski stud farm. Proton’s maternal grandsire was the stallion Hlayyil, bred for Her Royal Highness Princess Alia Al Hussein of Jordan.

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.