Chicago White Sox Expand Pope Leo-Themed Hat Giveaway

Team expands promotion to all fans after overwhelming demand for pope-inspired hats.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:20pm

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The Chicago White Sox are expanding their tribute to Pope Leo XIV, a Chicago native and longtime fan of the baseball team, by giving away pope-themed hats to all fans who attend their August 11 game against the Cincinnati Reds. The hats were originally limited to fans who had purchased specialty theme night tickets, but the team has decided to make them available to all attendees due to the overwhelming response from fans.

Why it matters

The White Sox's tribute to Pope Leo XIV, who is a Chicago native and devoted fan of the team, highlights the team's efforts to connect with the local community and honor its most passionate supporters. The giveaway of the pope-themed hats is a creative way for the team to celebrate one of its most famous fans and engage with its 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 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 giveaway on Friday, April 11, 2026.
  • The pope-themed hats will be given away at the team's August 11, 2026 game against the Cincinnati Reds.

The players

Pope Leo XIV

A Chicago native and longtime fan of the White Sox, who attended the team's 2005 World Series opener against the Houston Astros and was later presented with a jersey signed by White Sox great Paul Konerko.

Brooks Boyer

The chief revenue and marketing officer for the Chicago White Sox, who announced the team's decision to expand the pope-themed hat giveaway to all fans.

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-themed hat giveaway to all fans demonstrates the team's commitment to connecting with its passionate fanbase and honoring the legacy of one of its most devoted supporters, Pope Leo XIV. This promotion highlights the team's creativity in celebrating its history and engaging with the local community.