White Sox to Give Away Limited-Edition Pope Hats for Loyal Fan

The team is honoring Pope Leo XIV, a lifelong White Sox supporter, with a special giveaway at an upcoming game.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 12:34am

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An abstract, cubist painting featuring fragmented geometric shapes and planes in the White Sox's black and white colors, along with the iconic Pope's mitre headdress, all deconstructed into an energetic, multi-perspective composition.A cubist interpretation of the White Sox's tribute to their papal fan, capturing the team's connection to its community and the unique cultural intersection of baseball and religion.Dolton Today

The Chicago White Sox announced they will be giving away White Sox-themed pope mitres, or headdresses, to fans who purchase tickets for the team's August 11 game against the Cincinnati Reds. The special hats are a tribute to Pope Leo XIV, who is a well-known White Sox supporter and the first American-born pope.

Why it matters

The White Sox are recognizing the Pope's longstanding fandom and connection to the team, which has included attending games and even wearing the team's merchandise. This promotion helps strengthen the team's relationship with its loyal fan base, especially among Catholic supporters.

The details

The limited-edition pope hats will only be available to fans who purchase a special ticket package for the August 11 game. Those who receive the hat will sit in a designated seating area comprising five sections. The hat is designed to resemble the black-and-green mitre headdress worn by the Pope during Mass.

  • Pope Leo XIV was photographed wearing a White Sox cap during a 2025 appearance at the Vatican.
  • In 2005, Pope Leo attended Game 1 of the World Series between the White Sox and the Houston Astros.

The players

Pope Leo XIV

The first American-born pope, who is an avid Chicago White Sox fan and has been spotted wearing the team's merchandise on multiple occasions.

Will Venable

The current manager of the Chicago White Sox, who has expressed appreciation for the Pope's support of the team.

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What they’re saying

“I read something about that. Yeah, I mean, it's great. I love the support. Need it.”

— Will Venable, White Sox Manager

“God bless the White Sox”

— White Sox Fan

What’s next

The White Sox will distribute the limited-edition pope hats to fans who purchase the special ticket package for the August 11 game against the Cincinnati Reds.

The takeaway

The White Sox's tribute to their famous papal fan highlights the team's efforts to engage with its loyal supporters, especially those in the Catholic community. This promotion reinforces the team's connection to its local roots and the broader cultural significance of sports fandom.