Pope Leo XIV joins fans in White Sox chant (0:20)Pope Leo XIV joins fans in White Sox chant at the Vatican. (0:20)
Associated PressMultiple AuthorsApr 10, 2026, 04:11 PM ET
The Chicago White Sox are expanding their tribute to Pope Leo XIV, a Chicago native and longtime fan of the baseball team.
The White Sox announced Friday that they will hand out pope-themed hats to all fans who attend their Aug. 11 game against the Cincinnati Reds. The promotional item was originally limited to fans who had purchased specialty theme night tickets.
The hats are shaped like the Pope’s miter, with the team’s sock logo in the middle. The White Sox said fans who had already purchased the specialty tickets would receive the hat and an additional item.
The pope, the former Robert Prevost, attended Chicago’s 2005 World Series opener against Houston and watched as his beloved team beat the Astros 5-3 on the way to a four-game sweep and its first title since 1917.
In May, the White Sox unveiled a graphic installation near the seat paying tribute to Pope Leo and that moment. The pillar artwork features a waving Pope Leo XIV, along with a picture from the TV broadcast of the future pope sitting with good friend Ed Schmit and his grandson, Eddie.
In June, Rate Field hosted an event honoring his election as the first American pope. A month later, at a pregame ceremony honoring the 2005 team, White Sox great Paul Konerko was presented a jersey signed by the pope, a gift from one No. 14 to another.
Pope Leo broke Vatican protocol by donning a White Sox cap last year. In October, he shouted “they lost” to someone who screamed “go Cubs.” And a few weeks ago, he gave a thumbs up to someone who yelled “God bless the White Sox!”
Pope Leo XIV joins fans in White Sox chant (0:20)Pope Leo XIV joins fans in White Sox chant at the Vatican. (0:20)
Pope Leo XIV joins fans in White Sox chant at the Vatican. (0:20)
you wanted them, you’re ALL getting one pic.twitter.com/kayk67cEid