Bob Dylan’s Vatican audience sparks online debate over his attire

Bob Dylan met Pope Francis in a private audience at the Vatican on November 4, a meeting documented by the Holy See’s official Instagram account. The legendary singer arrived in an all-black jacket, trousers and a hooded sweatshirt, a look that quickly became the focus of online commentary.

"Dylan innovating again by being the first person ever to greet a Pope with the hood on," one user wrote, noting the comment’s popularity.

"Mr. Dylan got it wrong: according to traditional papal protocol, women are supposed to cover their heads in the Pope’s presence, not men," another user added.

"Take the hoodie off! Show a little bit of respect," a third commenter demanded.

The Vatican said the pope presented Dylan, a Nobel laureate, with a rosary, and Dylan responded by giving the pontiff a copy of his autobiography, Chronicles: Volume One. The meeting occurred while Dylan was on his Rough and Rowdy Ways world tour.

Social media users also compared Dylan’s hooded look to fictional characters, with one remarking, "Why is Bob Dylan dressed like the grim reaper," and another likening him to Emperor Palpatine from Star Wars.

The encounter marks Dylan’s second audience with a sitting pope; he previously met Pope John Paul II in 1997 during a religious congress in Bologna.