HOUSTON -- Pope Leo XIV was not in Houston for the opening game of the American League Wild Card Series between the White Sox and Astros.
But he was there in spirit thanks to a letter sent from the Vatican to White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf. The letter, dated Sept. 9, arrived to the White Sox earlier Tuesday, according to the team. It gratefully acknowledged the contest on Aug. 11 at Rate Field, where the White Sox gave out Pope Hats to the sold-out crowd. They also sent a hat to Pope Leo.
The letter addressed the White Sox ability to continue to foster bonds of friendship and solidarity through sports, and the possibility of living and working together in peace. It closed with the Pope invoking abundant blessings on Reinsdorf and his loved ones.
Robert Prevost attended the two home World Series games at Rate Field back in 2005, when the White Sox swept the Astros in four games, before he was selected as Pope. The White Sox also recently sent a playoff-clinching shirt to Pope Leo XIV and former President Barack Obama after the team locked down a postseason berth on Thursday in Kansas City.
Both men are known White Sox supporters.