In a moment that blended spiritual leadership with hometown pride, Pope Leo XIV surprised visitors at the Vatican this week by wearing a Chicago White Sox baseball cap.
During his weekly audience at St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday, the Chicago-born pontiff connected with attendees unexpectedly by sporting the symbol of his lifelong Major League Baseball team, Daily Mail reported.
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, became the head of the Roman Catholic Church following the death of Pope Francis in April. Now leading more than 1.4 billion Catholics around the globe, Pope Leo has begun making his mark less through statements than subtle, personal gestures, like his choice of headwear this week.
The moment occurred during a general papal audience, where the new pope greeted thousands in attendance. Among them was a newlywed couple whose connection to the cap remains unknown. Regardless of who provided it, the image of the pope in Sox gear quickly spread online.
Born in 1955 and raised in Bronzeville, a Chicago neighborhood on the South Side, Pope Leo’s affinity for the White Sox dates back to childhood. Contrary to rumors suggesting he may have supported the rival Cubs, his brother John Prevost has clarified that the pope “was always a Sox fan.”
The official White Sox social media account recognized the moment, posting jokingly, “.@Pontifex representing his favorite squad.” The use of the Pope’s verified handle added to the mix of religious reverence and sports enthusiasm.
Reactions on social media surged almost immediately. One user commented, “Even 3 months ago, you could’ve given me 1,000,000 to 1 odds and I never would’ve taken a bet that THE POPE WEARING A WHITE SOX HAT would happen.”
Another, expressing disbelief, wrote, “As a Chicago area native, I could never have imagined a Chicago Pope.” Skeptics even turned to AI platforms, asking, “@grok is this real?”—prompting friends and followers to verify the circulating images.
Pope Leo's deep ties to the team go beyond photos and social media posts. He attended Game 1 of the 2005 World Series, where the White Sox defeated the Houston Astros 5-3. At the time, he was serving as prior for the Order of Saint Augustine.
To honor that connection, the White Sox organization has installed a tribute seat at Guaranteed Rate Field in Section 140, Row 19, Seat 2—the exact location where he sat during that championship night. Footage from the 2005 broadcast confirms his presence in the crowd.
The Prevost family itself is a mix of baseball allegiances. While Pope Leo's support lies with the Sox, his mother was a Cubs fan, and his father rooted for the St. Louis Cardinals. That variation in loyalties has fueled some of the confusion around his sports background.
The Pope’s fandom has become a point of celebration for White Sox fans during a challenging season. As of Wednesday, the team holds a record of 23 wins and 44 losses, placing them more than 20 games behind first in the American League Central.
Despite the poor performance, fans have leaned into their new spiritual mascot. During a rivalry game against the Cubs on May 16, several attendees dressed as Pope Leo XIV. On June 6, T-shirts featuring his image were seen for sale outside the ballpark.
The team’s top hitter so far is Miguel Vargas, batting at .233, while star outfielder Luis Robert Jr. is slumping with a .184 average. Team morale among fans, however, has received an unexpected lift from the pontiff.
Amid the buzz around their newest high-profile fan, the White Sox organization is undergoing a significant transition. Current owner Jerry Reinsdorf is preparing for a phased sale of the team to Justin Ishbia, the brother of Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia.
Beginning in 2025 and continuing into 2026, Ishbia will make financial contributions as a limited partner to support operational costs and help reduce debt. A clause allows him to assume majority control between 2029 and 2033.
While a papal endorsement won’t fix bullpen issues or raise batting averages, the publicity resulting from Pope Leo's cap gesture has brought a breath of fresh air to an otherwise dismal season for the franchise.
For some, the moment served as a reminder of the papal background before ascending to the global spiritual stage. His appearance in fan gear emphasized that even a global religious figure can carry pride from a local community.
Though brief and unexplained, the gesture inserted new energy into a weary fan base. It also provided a humanizing glimpse into the life of a man now viewed as one of the world’s most influential voices.
Pope Leo XIV’s choice of headwear may not have aligned with traditional Vatican protocol, but it certainly struck a chord with Chicagoans—and, clearly, with baseball fans everywhere.
