Pope Leo XIV Shows His Love for the White Sox at Vatican Event

VATICAN CITY, Vatican City — Pope Leo XIV showcased his support for the Chicago White Sox during a public event on Wednesday. While greeting newlywed couples in St. Peter’s Square, the pontiff was photographed wearing a black and white White Sox cap.

Pope Leo XIV, elected as the first American pope in May 2025, has garnered attention for his strong loyalty to the South Side baseball team. His brother, John Prevost, confirmed that the pope has never been a fan of the Chicago Cubs, as some reports suggested. “He was always a Sox fan. Our mother was a Cubs fan,” Prevost clarified.

The White Sox celebrated the pope’s fandom, expressing pride in having him as a supporter. They stated, “Some things are bigger than baseball, but in this case, we’re glad to have a White Sox fan represented at the Vatican.” The team even arranged to send him a pinstripe jersey with his name and more merchandise.

This display of loyalty comes amid ongoing fanfare, particularly a mural that the White Sox debuted earlier this year at Rate Field, highlighting the pope’s attendance at Game 2 of the 2005 World Series.

The connection between the Vatican and the baseball team is set to continue on Saturday when the Archdiocese of Chicago hosts a celebration at Rate Field in honor of Pope Leo XIV. Limited tickets are available for the event, which will commemorate the pontiff’s ties to baseball.

Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, has a storied history as a White Sox supporter and even celebrated their victory over the Houston Astros in the 2005 World Series.

The White Sox have extended a generous invitation to the pope, offering him the chance to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at Rate Field whenever he wishes, encouraging him to do so in full vestments.