Holy Home Run! Pope Leo XIV Trades Vatican Cap for White Sox Gear

Max Sterling, 6/12/2025 In a deliciously unexpected papal plot twist, Chicago's own Pope Leo XIV traded holy headwear for hometown pride, rocking a White Sox cap at the Vatican. It's a gloriously human moment that proves even Supreme Pontiffs can't shake their baseball fever – though perhaps his divine intervention is what the struggling Sox need most.

The sight of His Holiness sporting a '47-branded Sox cap while blessing newlywed couples might seem surreal, but it's exactly the kind of authentic gesture that's defined Leo XIV's papacy since his historic election last May. After all, how many pontiffs can claim they were in the stands for Game 1 of the 2005 World Series?

Let's face it — the White Sox could use some divine intervention right about now. Sitting at a disappointing 23-44 record (yikes), they're currently looking up at the rest of the AL Central from the basement, a whopping 20.5 games behind the surprisingly resurgent Detroit Tigers. But hey, at least they can boast having the most powerful fan in the world.

The White Sox organization hasn't missed a beat in embracing their papal supporter. They've already installed a striking mural at Rate Field featuring His Holiness in a custom jersey — though some fans joke it might be better suited for the "Sistine" dugout. The team's social media crew hit a home run when they shared photos of the Pope in Sox gear, creating what might be 2025's most unexpected viral moment.

This Saturday, Rate Field will host what has to be the most unique doubleheader in baseball history: an afternoon of festivities starting at 2:30 p.m. CT, followed by Mass at 4 p.m. While Leo XIV won't be there in person (running the Catholic Church keeps one rather busy), he's sending a video message. No word yet on whether he'll be wearing his lucky Sox cap for the recording.

The timing of Leo XIV's ascension to the papacy — following Pope Francis's passing in April — marks a pivotal moment for the Catholic Church. As the first American pope and a member of the Order of Saint Augustine since his ordination in '81, he's already showing a knack for bridging the sacred and secular worlds. Between the Sox cap and the Bears jersey he received last month (though perhaps we shouldn't mention the Bears' current playoff chances), Leo XIV seems determined to keep one foot firmly planted in his Chicago roots.

The Archdiocese of Chicago's website will livestream Saturday's celebration, offering a front-row seat to this unprecedented fusion of faith and fandom. It's a fitting tribute to a pope who's proving that spiritual leadership doesn't mean leaving your hometown heart behind — even if your new office happens to be in Vatican City.

Who knows? Maybe those prayers from the Holy See will help turn the Sox's season around. Stranger things have happened in baseball... though perhaps not many stranger than seeing the Supreme Pontiff rocking a baseball cap at the Vatican.

In a moment that perfectly captures the delightful collision of sacred tradition and American sports culture, Chicago's newest claim to fame — Pope Leo XIV — just proved you can take the man out of the South Side, but you can't take the South Side out of the man. During this week's Vatican general audience, the Supreme Pontiff traded his traditional zucchetto for a Chicago White Sox cap, much to the amusement of visiting pilgrims and baseball fans worldwide.The sight of His Holiness sporting a '47-branded Sox cap while blessing newlywed couples might seem surreal, but it's exactly the kind of authentic gesture that's defined Leo XIV's papacy since his historic election last May. After all, how many pontiffs can claim they were in the stands for Game 1 of the 2005 World Series?Let's face it — the White Sox could use some divine intervention right about now. Sitting at a disappointing 23-44 record (yikes), they're currently looking up at the rest of the AL Central from the basement, a whopping 20.5 games behind the surprisingly resurgent Detroit Tigers. But hey, at least they can boast having the most powerful fan in the world.The White Sox organization hasn't missed a beat in embracing their papal supporter. They've already installed a striking mural at Rate Field featuring His Holiness in a custom jersey — though some fans joke it might be better suited for the "Sistine" dugout. The team's social media crew hit a home run when they shared photos of the Pope in Sox gear, creating what might be 2025's most unexpected viral moment.This Saturday, Rate Field will host what has to be the most unique doubleheader in baseball history: an afternoon of festivities starting at 2:30 p.m. CT, followed by Mass at 4 p.m. While Leo XIV won't be there in person (running the Catholic Church keeps one rather busy), he's sending a video message. No word yet on whether he'll be wearing his lucky Sox cap for the recording.The timing of Leo XIV's ascension to the papacy — following Pope Francis's passing in April — marks a pivotal moment for the Catholic Church. As the first American pope and a member of the Order of Saint Augustine since his ordination in '81, he's already showing a knack for bridging the sacred and secular worlds. Between the Sox cap and the Bears jersey he received last month (though perhaps we shouldn't mention the Bears' current playoff chances), Leo XIV seems determined to keep one foot firmly planted in his Chicago roots.The Archdiocese of Chicago's website will livestream Saturday's celebration, offering a front-row seat to this unprecedented fusion of faith and fandom. It's a fitting tribute to a pope who's proving that spiritual leadership doesn't mean leaving your hometown heart behind — even if your new office happens to be in Vatican City.Who knows? Maybe those prayers from the Holy See will help turn the Sox's season around. Stranger things have happened in baseball... though perhaps not many stranger than seeing the Supreme Pontiff rocking a baseball cap at the Vatican.