Matthew McConaughey reflects on faith after meeting Pope Leo
Matthew McConaughey discusses faith, religion’s role today, and his experience meeting Pope Leo.
The pope has made a best dressed list.
Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pope and a Chicago native, is among those featured on Vanity Fair’s 2026 Best Dressed List, putting the pontiff alongside some of the biggest names in fashion and entertainment.
Vanity Fair included Leo in its “Originals” category, which recognizes what the magazine describes as its most outlandish and innovative dressers. The category also features director Spike Lee, singer Rosalía and Icelandic singer-songwriter Björk. For Leo, the recognition highlights how his personal style has become part of his public image since becoming pope in 2025.
Why Pope Leo made the list
Vanity Fair’s selection focused on Leo’s ability to bring personality to the formal clothing associated with his role.
The magazine’s “Most Memorable Look” for Leo dates to before his papacy, when he was known as Father Bob. Vanity Fair pointed to a cream-colored cassock paired with Nike sneakers as an example of his distinctive style.
Vanity Fair also highlighted what it described as Leo’s “wry casualness” as pope, including his occasional appearances in baseball hats.
Those choices have helped make Leo’s wardrobe part of his public image since he was elected in May 2025. The College of Cardinals selected the Chicago native to succeed Pope Francis, who died April 21, 2025, at age 88.
What Vanity Fair looks for
Vanity Fair’s 2026 list goes beyond the conventional red-carpet definition of best dressed. After weeks of deliberation and hundreds of suggestions, the magazine said it selected its 10 main honorees, highlighting figures whose clothing expresses individuality, creativity and a strong personal point of view.
Vanity Fair divided its broader list into five categories: “The Originals,” “The Perennials,” “The Professionals,” “The Duos” and “The Future.”
Leo’s selection stands out because his position makes him unlike the typical celebrity featured on a best dressed list. But Vanity Fair’s broader definition of style gives the pope a place alongside popular actors, musicians, artists and fashion figures whose appearances have made them memorable in their own right.
For Leo, that distinction comes from making the highly recognizable papal wardrobe part of his own public style.
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@usatodayco.com or on X @athompsonUSAT