White Sox to unveil a graphic installation, host Mass at Rate Field honoring Pope Leo XIV

The White Sox plan to host a Mass and unveil a graphic installation honoring Pope Leo XIV.

Robert Prevost became the first pope from the U.S. in the history of the Catholic Church when he was elected May 8. The Chicago-born missionary, who took the name Leo XIV, is a White Sox fan, according to his brother, John.

The graphic installation will be unveiled Monday at Rate Field when the Sox play the Seattle Mariners. It marks the location where the future pope cheered for Chicago in Game 1 of the 2005 World Series. The White Sox beat the Astros 5-3 on their way to a four-game sweep for the title.

The Mass honoring the new pope will be held the afternoon of June 14, the Archdiocese of Chicago said in an announcement Saturday.

The team said the pillar artwork commemorates the pope’s Chicago roots “and the unifying power of baseball on the world stage.”

Robert Francis Prevost was close friends with Ed Schmit, who was a season ticket holder. The two were both die-hard Sox fans and often went to games together, including during the team’s 2005 World Series championship run.

Schmit’s son, Nick, remains the account holder for the pope’s World Series seat.

The White Sox, who have struggled on the field in recent years, and their fans have embraced their connection to the new pope since he was elected. The team said it sent a jersey and a hat to the Vatican after the announcement.

A group of White Sox fans dressed as the pope and watched a 13-3 loss to the Cubs from the bleachers at Wrigley Field on Friday afternoon.

Contributing: Kaitlin Washburn