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

The Chicago baseball team will honor their famous supporter with a special giveaway at an upcoming game.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 4:08am

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An abstract expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors, featuring rapid brushstrokes that capture the energy and movement of a baseball game, with the White Sox logo and a pope's miter hat design dissolving into unrecognizable splatters of paint.The White Sox's colorful tribute to their devoted fan Pope Leo XIV celebrates the unique intersection of sports, community, and faith.Chicago Today

The Chicago White Sox will pay tribute to one of their most famous and loyal fans, Pope Leo XIV, by offering pope-themed hats to fans who purchase tickets for their August 11th game against the Cincinnati Reds. The limited-edition hats will be shaped like the Pope's miter and feature the team's iconic sock logo.

Why it matters

Pope Leo XIV is a Chicago native who has been a lifelong White Sox supporter, even attending the team's 2005 World Series victory. The team has previously honored him with a graphic installation and a jersey presentation, and this pope-themed hat giveaway continues their efforts to celebrate this famous fan's devotion.

The details

The pope-themed hats will be available to fans in certain 'pew' sections, but tickets must be purchased directly from the White Sox to receive one. The team has unveiled a graphic installation near Pope Leo's favorite seat to pay tribute to his support, and they previously presented a signed jersey to White Sox great Paul Konerko as a gift from the pope.

  • The White Sox will host the giveaway on August 11, 2026 against the Cincinnati Reds.
  • In May 2026, the team unveiled a graphic installation near Pope Leo's favorite seat to honor his support.
  • In June 2026, Guaranteed Rate Field hosted an event celebrating Pope Leo'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's signed jersey was presented to Paul Konerko.

The players

Pope Leo XIV

A Chicago native and lifelong White Sox fan who has been honored by the team for his devotion, including attending the 2005 World Series and breaking Vatican protocol to don a White Sox cap.

Paul Konerko

A White Sox great who was presented with a jersey signed by Pope Leo XIV as a gift from one No. 14 to another.

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 distribute the limited-edition pope-themed hats to fans who purchase tickets in the designated 'pew' sections for the August 11th game against the Cincinnati Reds.

The takeaway

The White Sox's efforts to honor their famous fan, Pope Leo XIV, demonstrate the team's commitment to celebrating their loyal supporters and the unique connections that can form between sports franchises and their communities.