White Sox Expand Pope Leo XIV Hat Promo to Meet Fan Demand

Chicago team to distribute pope-themed hats to all attendees at August 11 game.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 8:18pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting in the style of Pablo Picasso, depicting a baseball game or match between the Chicago White Sox and another team. The painting features the White Sox logo and colors, as well as the distinctive pope's miter hat design, broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape.A cubist interpretation of the White Sox's pope-themed hat promotion celebrates the team's unique connection to its Chicago roots.Chicago Today

The Chicago White Sox are expanding their tribute to Pope Leo XIV, a Chicago native and longtime fan of the baseball team, by handing out pope-themed hats to all fans who attend their August 11 game against the Cincinnati Reds. The promotional item was originally limited to fans who had purchased specialty theme night tickets, but the team is now making the hats available to all attendees due to the overwhelming fan response.

Why it matters

The White Sox are honoring Pope Leo XIV, who is a Chicago native and a longtime fan of the team. The pope's connection to the White Sox, including attending the 2005 World Series opener and being presented with a jersey signed by White Sox great Paul Konerko, has made him a beloved figure among the team's fanbase.

The details

The hats are shaped like the Pope's miter, with the team's sock logo in the middle. Fans who had already purchased the specialty tickets will receive the hat and an additional item. The White Sox said they viewed the promotion as a creative way to celebrate one of the franchise's most popular fans, and the overwhelming response from fans prompted them to make the hats available to all attendees.

  • The White Sox announced the expanded hat promotion on Friday, April 10, 2026.
  • The pope-themed hats will be distributed at the White Sox's August 11, 2026 game against the Cincinnati Reds.

The players

Pope Leo XIV

The former Robert Prevost, a Chicago native and longtime fan of the White Sox who attended the team's 2005 World Series opener and has been honored by the franchise in various ways.

Brooks Boyer

The chief revenue and marketing officer for the Chicago White Sox.

Paul Konerko

A White Sox great who was presented with a jersey signed by Pope Leo XIV at a pregame ceremony honoring the 2005 team.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Brooks Boyer, Chief Revenue and Marketing Officer, Chicago White Sox

What’s next

The White Sox will distribute the pope-themed hats to all fans who attend the August 11, 2026 game against the Cincinnati Reds.

The takeaway

The White Sox's decision to expand the pope hat promotion demonstrates their commitment to honoring the team's history and connecting with their passionate fanbase. By making the hats available to all attendees, the team is ensuring that more fans can celebrate the unique connection between the franchise and Pope Leo XIV, a beloved figure in Chicago sports.