New York — Two rare bottles of Kentucky bourbon, each signed by Pope Francis, recently garnered a total of $27,500 at an auction held at Sotheby’s.
The bourbon bottles, sourced from the Willett Distillery in Bardstown, were donated by Father Jim Sichko, a prominent priest from the Roman Catholic Diocese in Lexington. This auction was part of the “Whisky & Whiskey Seasonal Spirits” sale, which collectively raised $1.3 million in sales.
Each of the signed bottles reached a price of $13,750. The first bottle commemorates the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ papacy, while the second celebrates the upcoming 2025 Jubilee Year themed “Pilgrims of Hope.” Sichko expressed his gratitude, stating, “These bottles are not just collector’s items — they are symbols of hope and compassion, created to do good in the world.”
Notably, proceeds from these high-priced bottles will support Lexington-based charities, including the Maxwell Street Legal Clinic and PAWS 4 the Cause, along with Sichko’s ministry. “I am deeply moved by the generosity of the bidders, and I know the proceeds will make a lasting difference for the charities they support,” he added.
The auction also featured other notable items, such as offerings from the Van Winkle range at the Buffalo Trace Distillery and a bottle of Willett Family Estate signed by Tom Brady.
Father Jim Sichko, recognized as an internationally known preacher and motivational speaker, has been inspiring others for over 25 years. Since his appointment as a Papal Missionary of Mercy in 2015, he has worked to spread compassion and understanding, serving as one of only 100 in the U.S. and 1,000 globally in this role.
Sichko concluded, “I also want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Pope Francis, Bishop John Stowe, and Tom Brady for their inspiration and support in making this initiative possible. It’s a testament to the incredible impact we can have when we come together for a greater cause.”
