Pope Leo XIV Poses With White Sox Pope Hat After 40,000-Cap Giveaway
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Aug 27
Pope Leo XIV Poses With White Sox Pope Hat After 40,000-Cap Giveaway
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Aug 27
Summary
A photo posted Thursday by the White Sox showed Pope Leo XIV smiling at the Vatican while holding the team’s white mitre-style “Pope Hat” alongside Chicago priest Father Tom McCarthy.
Nearly 40,000 of the hats were distributed at Rate Field on Aug. 11, drawing an announced crowd of 38,113 and turning the promotion into one of the club’s most visible fan events.
The team has leaned into its ties to the Chicago-born pontiff, who grew up in suburban Dolton and supports the White Sox, with a ballpark mural and a Mass held in his honor.
That connection has become part of a surprisingly upbeat season: Chicago is 70-63 and leads the American League Central after years of struggles.
Earlier gifts to Leo included the final-out ball from Game 1 of the 2005 World Series and a signed “Pope Leo” jersey, extending a relationship the club has repeatedly showcased.