Rest in Peace to Pope Francis, Who Once Called Whisky ‘the Real Holy Water’

Pope Francis delivers his speech during the Holy Mass with newly appointed Cardinals. (Photo by Stefano Costantino / SOPA Images/Sipa USA)(Sipa via AP Images)

Pope Francis died at 88 on Monday following a 12-year run as leader of the Roman Catholic church.

A progressive pope, Francis will be remembered for many things: his support of women and the LGBTQ+ community; focus on climate change; criticism of anti-immigration policies and more.

Beyond the church, some will remember Pope Francis for a more lighthearted reason: his affinity for whiskey.

During a 2019 trip to Scotland, The Pope was gifted a bottle of Oban scotch whisky and said “Questa e la vera acqua santa” — which translates to “This is the real holy water.” A joking comment, of course, but an incredible moment nevertheless.

In 2022, Pope Francis was gifted a bottle of Wm. Tarr Kentucky Straight Bourbon autographed by University of Kentucky football head coach Mark Stoops.

The man who gifted that bottle to The Pope was Father Jim Sichko, a missionary of mercy commissioned by Francis and a priest with the Diocese of Lexington.

Sichko later had a pair of bottles of Willett Bourbon signed by Pope Francis. The bottles fetched $27,500 at auction, raising money for four faith-led organizations.

Beyond whiskey, Pope Francis has previously called wine “a gift from God” and joked that he needed tequila to help his hurt knee feel better.