On June 11, 2025, Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope and a lifelong Chicago White Sox fan, made a memorable public appearance at the Vatican wearing the iconic black White Sox cap. The pontiff's choice of headwear during his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square delighted fans and onlookers alike, including a bride and groom who were fellow supporters of the South Side baseball club.
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, has kept his allegiance to the White Sox close to heart for decades. His brother, John Prevost, set the record straight amid earlier rumors that the pope favored the Chicago Cubs. Speaking to WGN TV, he said, "He was never ever a Cubs fan, so I don't know where that came from. He was always a Sox fan. Our mother was a Cubs fan. I don't know, maybe that clued in there and our dad was a Cardinals fan, so I don't know where all that came from. And all the aunts, our mom's family was from the north side, so that's why they were Cubs fans." This family insight highlights the pope's deep-rooted connection to Chicago's South Side and its baseball tradition.
The pope's White Sox fandom is well documented, with resurfaced footage showing him at Game 1 of the 2005 World Series. That year, the White Sox swept the Houston Astros in four games, clinching their first championship in 88 years. During the broadcast of Game 1, viewers briefly caught a glimpse of the then-Cardinal Robert Prevost nervously awaiting the final out as White Sox closer Bobby Jenks sealed a 5-3 victory. This historic moment remains a cherished memory for the pontiff, who has since carried his passion for the team into his papacy.
Despite the White Sox's struggles in recent years, including a record-setting 121 losses in the 2024 MLB season, the team has shown signs of improvement since Pope Leo XIV's election on May 8, 2025. Before his ascension, the Sox held a dismal 10-28 record, but since then, they have posted a 13-17 run, a notable uptick that some fans jokingly attribute to their most famous supporter’s influence.
In honor of Pope Leo XIV's enduring support, the White Sox unveiled a graphic installation at Rate Field in May 2025. The mural commemorates the pope's presence at the 2005 World Series and marks the section where he sat during Game 1. This tribute has become a focal point for fans celebrating the unique intersection of baseball and the papacy.
The team's enthusiasm for their celebrated fan was evident when Pope Leo XIV paired the White Sox cap with his papal garments during the June 11 audience. White Sox manager Will Venable expressed his appreciation, stating, "I read something about that. Yeah, I mean, it's great. I love the support. Need it." Rookie reliever Grant Taylor, who made his Major League debut on June 10, 2025, also commented on the pope’s influence. Taylor, the No. 6 White Sox prospect according to MLB Pipeline, pitched a scoreless seventh inning in his debut, topping 100 mph on half of his pitches. "It's pretty cool," Taylor said. "Worldwide, baseball is growing a lot more. But in Europe, it's not very big. So if he's over there in the Vatican wearing a White Sox hat, maybe all of them will become White Sox fans. Grow the fanbase a little bit."
Taylor even joked about the pope's awareness of his career, saying, "The thought did come across. I was joking with my family today, I was like, 'I wonder if the Pope knows my name.'" Venable shared similar sentiments, adding, "If he's a fan and locked into who the manager is, hopefully. But I'm just glad that he's supportive of the White Sox. That's awesome."
The timing of Pope Leo XIV’s hat choice was particularly fitting as the White Sox faced the Houston Astros on June 11, 2025, a rematch of the 2005 World Series. This connection serves as a charming nod to history and the pope’s long-standing devotion to the team.
Beyond baseball, Pope Leo XIV is also an alumnus of Villanova University, class of 1977. His ties to Villanova sparked hope among New York Knicks fans, given the presence of former Wildcats Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Mikal Bridges on the team. Although the Knicks fell to the Indiana Pacers in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals, the pope’s support for his alma mater remains a point of pride.
Looking ahead, Rate Field is set to host a celebration of the Chicago-born pontiff on June 14, 2025. The event, organized by the Archdiocese of Chicago, will feature the premiere of a video message from Pope Leo XIV to young people worldwide, further solidifying his unique role as a bridge between faith and sports.
In a city passionate about its baseball, the pope’s public display of White Sox pride has injected a dose of excitement and optimism. As the 2025 MLB season unfolds, fans and players alike will be watching closely, perhaps inspired by their most famous fan’s unwavering support. Whether this newfound attention will translate into on-field success remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Pope Leo XIV’s White Sox fandom is a story that transcends sports and resonates on a global scale.
