So, here’s a fun fact for you: Pope John Paul II, the head of the Catholic Church from 1978 to 2005, was a big fan of Doc Martens boots. Yes, you read that right – the man who was known for his traditional attire and conservative values absolutely adored a good pair of Docs.
In fact, not only did Pope John Paul II love wearing Doc Martens, he loved them so much that he reportedly gifted 100 pairs of the iconic boots to the Swiss Guards in the Vatican. Now, if that isn’t a cool Pope move, I don’t know what is.
For those who may not be familiar, the Swiss Guards are the official guards of the Vatican and have been serving and protecting the Pope since the early 16th century. Traditionally, their uniform consists of a distinct combination of colors and styles, including a bright blue uniform, a metal breastplate, a plumed helmet, and, of course, a pair of traditional red leather shoes.
But Pope John Paul II, being the unconventional Pope that he was, decided to shake things up a bit and introduce a touch of modernity to the Swiss Guards’ uniform. And what better way to do that than by adding a splash of punk rock style with a hundred pairs of Doc Martens? It’s safe to say that these punk-inspired boots certainly added a unique twist to the guards’ attire.
The fact that Pope John Paul II, a figure known for his conservative values, had such an affinity for Doc Martens is certainly surprising. But it just goes to show that even the most traditional individuals can have a rebellious streak.
So, the next time you see a pair of Doc Martens, just remember that even the highest authority in the Catholic Church couldn’t resist the allure of these iconic boots. Who knows, maybe there’s a little punk rocker in all of us, even if we’re the Pope.
