White Sox to Give Away Pope-Themed Hats for Loyal Fan Pope Leo XIV

The team will distribute limited edition hats shaped like the Pope's miter to honor their famous supporter.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 12:56am

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A cubist-style painting featuring sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in the White Sox's black, white, and silver colors, abstractly representing a baseball game or player in motion.A cubist interpretation of the White Sox's loyal papal fan captures the team's historic connection to Pope Leo XIV in a dynamic, fragmented visual style.Chicago Today

The Chicago White Sox will offer pope-themed hats to fans who purchase tickets for their August 11th game against the Cincinnati Reds. The hats are shaped like the Pope's miter and feature the team's iconic sock logo. The promotion is in honor of Pope Leo XIV, a Chicago native and lifelong White Sox supporter who has shown his fandom in various ways over the years.

Why it matters

Pope Leo XIV's devotion to the White Sox, including attending the 2005 World Series and publicly displaying his team pride, has made him a beloved figure among the franchise's loyal fanbase. This giveaway is a unique way for the team to pay tribute to one of their most famous supporters and engage with the local community.

The details

The pope-themed hats will be available in limited quantities to fans in designated 'pew' sections, and tickets must be purchased directly from the White Sox to receive one. The team has also previously honored Pope Leo XIV with a graphic installation near his favorite seat and a pregame ceremony featuring a signed jersey from White Sox great Paul Konerko.

  • The pope-themed hat giveaway will take place on August 11, 2026 during the White Sox's game against the Cincinnati Reds.
  • In May 2026, the White Sox unveiled a graphic installation near Pope Leo XIV's favorite seat to pay tribute to the loyal fan.
  • In June 2026, Rate Field hosted an event honoring Pope Leo XIV's election as the first American pope.
  • In July 2026, the White Sox held a pregame ceremony honoring their 2005 championship team, where Pope Leo XIV was presented with a signed jersey from Paul Konerko.

The players

Pope Leo XIV

A Chicago native and lifelong White Sox fan who has publicly shown his support for the team, including attending the 2005 World Series and wearing a White Sox cap despite Vatican protocol.

Paul Konerko

A White Sox great who presented Pope Leo XIV with a signed jersey during a pregame ceremony honoring the team's 2005 championship.

Ed Schmit

A friend of Pope Leo XIV who attended the 2005 World Series game with him.

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What they’re saying

“They lost!”

— Pope Leo XIV

“God bless the White Sox!”

— Pope Leo XIV

What’s next

The White Sox will decide in the coming weeks whether to make the pope-themed hats available for purchase to fans who are unable to attend the August 11th game.

The takeaway

Pope Leo XIV's unwavering support for the White Sox, even breaking Vatican protocol to publicly display his fandom, has made him a beloved figure among the team's loyal fanbase. This unique giveaway is a fitting tribute that celebrates the special bond between the pope and the franchise.