On Wednesday June 11, 2025, the internet was buzzing after photos were posted online of new Pope Leo XIV wearing a Chicago White Sox cap during his weekly general audience at the Vatican.
The sports world has been excited to learn that the newest pope grew up a baseball fan, but it was unclear whether or not his connection to the White Sox would come into play after taking up the papacy.
Wednesday’s appearance in the Sox hat was a clear signal that even though Leo XIV will be busy as one of the most important world leaders of Catholicism, he still enjoys cheering on the Sox when he can!
Leo’s Connections to the Sox
Ever since the news broke back on May 8, 2025 that American Robert Prevost (who chose the name Leo XIV) was selected as the new pope, the internet has been fascinated with his baseball past.
The most viral moment came when old footage surfaced of Leo XIV attending the 2005 World Series, where his White Sox took on the Houston Astros and swept Houston for their first World Series title in 88 years.
After that was discovered, the White Sox honored Leo XIV with a mural on Monday May 19, 2025. The mural was installed near where he sat in section 140 during the World Series.
Alongside that invite was the understanding that Leo XIV had an open invite to throw out the first pitch at Rate Field, the home of the White Sox, whenever he wanted.
“He has an open invite to throw out a first pitch,” said Brooks Boyer, the White Sox executive vice president, chief revenue and marketing officer. “Heck, maybe we’ll let him get an at-bat.”
Finally, the archdiocese of Chicago announced on Tuesday May 28, 2025 that they would be hosting an event in honor of the new pope on Saturday June 14, 2025 at 2:30 PM at Rate Field. A message from Pope Leo XIV will be shown on the video board during that event as well.
Will Pope Leo XIV Attend A Sox Game During His Papacy?
Baseball fans, and especially American Catholic baseball fans, are excited that they can relate to the Pope as someone who enjoys baseball. Having a Pope incorporate baseball so intrinsically into his public image is unprecedented.
However, nothing would compare to the thrill that White Sox fans and baseball fans around the world would get if Leo XIV were to attend a White Sox game in person.
No plans for Pope Leo XIV to attend a game have been shared publicly. However, after his very public support for the White Sox on Wednesday, that seems more possible than ever.
Perhaps that becomes even more likely if the Sox can turn things around on the baseball field. While Leo XIV seems like the kind of baseball fan who would love to come to any baseball game, even one on where his last place White Sox with a 23-44 record play on a random weekday during the regular season, it seems like making the trip from the Vatican to Rate Field would become even more of a priority if the White Sox managed to play a home playoff game.
Morale is increasing amongst the White Sox fanbase this season after they found out one of the world’s most influential leaders was a Sox fan just like them, but can the White Sox turn things around on the field as well? Only time will tell.
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