The White Sox are commemorating the new Pope’s longtime fandom with a graphic near his seat at Rate Field from the 2005 World Series.
Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pope, grew up in Chicago as Robert Prevost.
The 69-year-old pontiff was shown in television footage attending Game 1 of the World Series 20 years ago at what then was known as U.S. Cellular Field.
The team plans to unveil the graphic on Monday when the Sox face the Seattle Mariners.
The White Sox’s record of 41-121 last season marked the most losses for any MLB team in the modern era (since 1900).
Their winning percentage has been slightly higher in 2025 with a 14-31 record (.311) entering Saturday’s game against the Cubs, including four wins in their past seven games since Pope Leo was elected by the conclave on May 8.
White Sox GM Chris Getz believes their recent improvement is no coincidence.
‘It’s been exciting obviously, to have someone of that significance be a White Sox fan,” Getz told USA Today’s Bob Nightengale. “Since he’s been announced to become the Pope, the White Sox have tacked on some wins. So perhaps a higher power is on our side.’’
Fans at home games have come dressed in Pope costumes and Pope-related T-shirts during the current home stand.
The Cubs initially claimed Pope Leo as one of their fans on the Wrigley Field marquee, but his brother, John Prevost, has since confirmed that he roots for the White Sox, whose World Series win over the Astros in 2005 was their first championship since 1917.