White Sox to Honor Lifetime Fan Pope Leo XIV with Special Hat

The team will celebrate the Chicago native's fandom with a commemorative cap giveaway.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:59am

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A cubist, geometric painting featuring overlapping planes of navy blue, white, and gold, conceptually representing the intersection of baseball and papal fandom.The White Sox's tribute to their most famous fan, Pope Leo XIV, will bring a vibrant, artistic energy to the ballpark.Chicago Today

The Chicago White Sox baseball team has announced plans to honor Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope and a lifelong fan of the team, with a special commemorative hat giveaway for fans at an upcoming game in August 2026.

Why it matters

Pope Leo XIV, born and raised in Chicago, has been a devoted White Sox supporter since childhood. The team's decision to recognize his fandom with a special hat reflects the franchise's efforts to celebrate its local roots and connect with the community.

The details

The White Sox will be distributing the commemorative Pope Leo XIV hats to the first 20,000 fans who attend the August 17, 2026 game against the Detroit Tigers. The hats will feature the team's classic logo along with a subtle nod to the pope's papacy, creating a unique collectors' item for die-hard Sox fans.

  • The White Sox will distribute the Pope Leo XIV hats at their August 17, 2026 home game against the Detroit Tigers.

The players

Pope Leo XIV

The first American pope, who was born and raised in Chicago and has been a lifelong fan of the White Sox baseball team.

Chicago White Sox

The professional baseball team based in Chicago, Illinois that plays in the American League of Major League Baseball.

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What they’re saying

“We're thrilled to honor Pope Leo XIV, a true Chicago icon and lifelong White Sox supporter, with this special hat giveaway. It's a way for us to connect with our fans and celebrate our shared love of the team.”

— Jerry Reinsdorf, Chairman, Chicago White Sox

What’s next

The White Sox will distribute the commemorative Pope Leo XIV hats to the first 20,000 fans who attend the August 17, 2026 game against the Detroit Tigers.

The takeaway

The White Sox's decision to honor Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope and a devoted Chicago native, with a special hat giveaway demonstrates the team's commitment to celebrating its local roots and connecting with the community through shared passions like baseball.