White Sox Expand Giveaway of Pope-Themed Hats

Chicago team celebrates hometown pope's fandom with expanded promotion.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 1:52pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented White Sox baseball game, with the team's colors of black, white, and silver used in sharp, overlapping shapes and planes.The White Sox's pope-themed hat giveaway celebrates the team's unique connection to the papacy and its passionate fan base.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 Cincinnati. The hats were originally limited to fans who had purchased specialty theme night tickets, but the team is now making them available to all attendees due to overwhelming fan demand.

Why it matters

Pope Leo XIV's public displays of White Sox fandom, including breaking Vatican protocol to don a team cap, have made him a beloved figure among the team's supporters. The expanded giveaway allows the franchise to further celebrate this unique connection between the papacy and Chicago baseball.

The details

The pope-themed 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 have also unveiled a graphic installation near a seat paying tribute to Pope Leo and his attendance at the 2005 World Series opener, where he watched the White Sox beat the Astros 5-3 on the way to their first title since 1917.

  • In May, the White Sox unveiled a graphic installation near the seat paying tribute to Pope Leo XIV and his 2005 World Series appearance.
  • In June, Rate Field hosted an event honoring Pope Leo XIV's election as the first American pope.
  • In July, at a pregame ceremony honoring the 2005 team, White Sox great Paul Konerko was presented a jersey signed by the pope.
  • Last year, Pope Leo XIV broke Vatican protocol by donning a White Sox cap.
  • The pope-themed hat giveaway will take place at the White Sox's August 11 game against Cincinnati.

The players

Pope Leo XIV

The first American pope, who is a longtime fan of the Chicago White Sox and has made several public displays of his fandom, including breaking Vatican protocol to wear a team cap.

Brooks Boyer

The chief revenue and marketing officer for the Chicago White Sox, who announced the expansion of the pope-themed hat giveaway.

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 hand out the pope-themed hats to all fans who attend their August 11 game against Cincinnati.

The takeaway

The White Sox's expanded giveaway of pope-themed hats highlights the unique and beloved connection between the team and Pope Leo XIV, a Chicago native who has become a celebrated figure among the franchise's supporters. This promotion allows the team to further celebrate this special relationship and engage with its passionate fan base.