Pope Leo XIV, White Sox Fan, Honored at Rate Field

Teh pontiff, a lifelong fan, is being celebrated by the Archdiocese of Chicago at the White Sox’s home stadium.

CHICAGO – Pope Leo XIV’s love for the Chicago White Sox is well-known, making the upcoming celebration at Rate Field a fitting tribute.

While the White Sox are on the road against the Rangers this Saturday, the Archdiocese of Chicago will host a Mass led by Archbishop Blase J. Cupich at Rate Field, honoring the new leader of the Catholic Church, who grew up on Chicago’s South Side.

Though the man once known as Robert Prevost will not be present in person, event organizers have announced that he will appear in “a video message from Pope Leo XIV to the young people of the world.”

Additionally, a mural of Leo has been installed at the stadium. The White Sox unveiled the graphic installation on a concourse wall before a may 19 game against the Seattle Mariners,commemorating Leo’s selection as the first U.S.-born pope,succeeding Pope Francis,who died on April 21 at age 88.

The mural is located next to Section 140, commemorating Leo’s seat in Row 19, Seat 2 during Game 1 of the 2005 World Series between the White Sox and Houston Astros. Footage from Fox’s broadcast shows Father Bob in the stands at the stadium then-known as U.S. Cellular Field.

During that game, with the White Sox leading by two runs in the top of the ninth, the camera focused on a nervous-looking Father Bob, wearing a team jacket over a team jersey.

Viewers didn’t see his immediate reaction, but he undoubtedly celebrated as Bobby Jenks struck out Adam Everett, securing a 5-3 Chicago victory.The White Sox went on to sweep the Astros, winning their first World Series sence 1917.

The Pope’s South Side Roots

According to Louis Prevost, his brother, the future pope, enjoyed attending games. “That was his thing. He liked to get out and go to a game once in a while,” Louis Prevost told the Chicago Tribune. “Eat a hot dog. Have some pizza. Like any other guy in Chicago on the South Side.”

Despite the team’s current struggles, with the White Sox holding the worst record in the American League, Pope Leo XIV remains a dedicated fan.

Recently, he was seen wearing a White Sox hat while blessing newlyweds in St. Peter’s Square outside the vatican.

Kelly and Gary DeStefano, Boston Red Sox fans from Haverhill, Mass., gifted him the hat, hoping to catch his attention.Kelly DeStefano told Boston.com, “I just wanted to make sure everyone at home knew that we did not turn on our team. It was all in joke and good fun.”