Robert Prevost, officially known as Pope Leo XIV, grabbed the baseball world’s attention last year when it was revealed that he was a big White Sox fan and was in attendance for Game 1 of the 2005 World Series in Chicago. The Pope was later photographed donning a White Sox cap during a public appearance at the Vatican, breaking typical protocol in the process.
The world’s most famous White Sox fan will be honored with a specialty giveaway at Chicago’s Rate Field later this year.
Initially announced as a special-ticket giveaway, the pope-themed hats -- shaped like the Pope's miter with a White Sox logo on it -- will now be distributed to all fans on Aug. 11, when the club hosts the Reds.
Fans who have already purchased through the special offer now will receive both the White Sox Pope hat and an additional themed item. Additional details will be communicated directly to those purchasers in the coming weeks. Single-game tickets are still available at whitesox.com/promos.
“The fans have spoken, and unlike some of our more limited-quantity promotions, the White Sox Pope hat is one we believe all fans should have the opportunity to take home,” said Brooks Boyer, White Sox chief revenue and marketing officer, in a statement. “We viewed the promotion as a creative way to celebrate one of the franchise’s most popular fans, and by the overwhelming response we received, White Sox fans certainly agreed.”
Pope Leo made the waves in the baseball and White Sox world last year with his various connections and affinity for the team. After the revelation that he was a White Sox fan and attended their last World Series -- Leo sat in Section 140, Row 19, Seat 2 for the 2005 Fall Classic’s first game -- the club installed a visual tribute near section 140 last May.
And last July, when the White Sox celebrated the 20th anniversary of that 2005 World Series team, Paul Konerko -- one of the best players and the de facto captain of that ‘05 squad -- was presented with a special White Sox No. 14 jersey signed by Pope Leo XIV.