American Pope’s Baseball Connection: A Unique Vatican-Chicago Story
In a heartwarming intersection of faith and America’s favorite pastime, the sports world recently discovered something remarkable about Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff in history: he’s a dedicated Chicago White Sox fan. The revelation immediately sparked curiosity among American sports enthusiasts who wondered about his baseball allegiance after learning of his Chicago roots. Despite a brief mix-up reporting him as a Cubs supporter, evidence quickly emerged confirming his White Sox loyalty—including footage showing him in the stands during the team’s triumphant 2005 World Series sweep. This personal connection to American sports has humanized the papal office in a unique way, demonstrating that even the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church carries the passionate sports memories of his earlier life.
The story took an even more interesting turn through a serendipitous connection between the Vatican and Major League Baseball. Robert Prevost, who became Pope Leo XIV in May 2025, found his baseball fandom intersecting with big league business when Justin Ishbia purchased the Chicago White Sox just one month after the papal election. As Ishbia sought meaningful ways to introduce himself to Chicago’s sports community, a creative idea emerged during a conversation with a Vanderbilt law school friend: why not invite the baseball-loving pontiff to throw out the first pitch at a planned new White Sox stadium? The concept seemed perfect—after all, Pope Leo had been passionate enough about the team to attend World Series games as an ordinary fan two decades earlier. Though he now held one of the world’s most revered positions, the organizers believed the sports fan within him might still appreciate such an invitation.
Extending such an invitation presented significant logistical challenges. One doesn’t simply call the Vatican switchboard and request the pope’s schedule coordinator. The breakthrough came through Vatican Ambassador Brian Burch, a former Chicago resident who embraced the idea enthusiastically. This diplomatic connection opened doors that would otherwise have remained firmly closed, demonstrating how informal networks and shared cultural touchpoints can sometimes bridge even the most formal institutional barriers. Through Ambassador Burch’s assistance, a meeting was arranged at the Vatican, where Justin Ishbia and his wife Kristen would have the opportunity to present their unique request directly to the Holy Father.
The meeting itself became a touching moment of cultural exchange. The Ishbias presented Pope Leo with a thoughtfully selected gift: a team-autographed replica jersey from the White Sox’s 2005 World Series championship—the very series the future pope had witnessed in person. During their conversation, they extended the invitation for His Holiness to throw the ceremonial first pitch at the planned new White Sox stadium. To their delight, Pope Leo responded positively, indicating he would accept if his demanding schedule permitted. As Ishbia later told OutKick, “I requested His Holiness Pope Leo XIV bless the anticipated new home of the White Sox and pray that he lifts the team and Chicago in peace and strength.” The moment represented a beautiful blend of spiritual leadership and sports culture, two powerful forces that bring people together across many divides.
This potential papal visit carries historical significance beyond baseball. Should Pope Leo’s schedule allow him to fulfill this ceremonial role, it would mark the first papal visit to Chicago since 1979—a span of nearly five decades. The visit would transcend sports, becoming a momentous occasion for Catholics throughout the Midwest and indeed across America. For White Sox fans specifically, having their team blessed by a pontiff who shares their passion adds a spiritual dimension to their baseball experience. Many supporters hope Pope Leo might even help recapture some of the magic from that championship season he witnessed from the stands before his elevation to the papacy.
What makes this story particularly compelling is how it illustrates the human connections that exist beneath formal institutions and titles. Before he became Pope Leo XIV, Robert Prevost was simply another passionate Chicago baseball fan celebrating his team’s greatest triumph. Despite now holding one of the world’s most revered offices, that authentic connection to America’s pastime remains part of who he is. The possible image of His Holiness standing on the pitcher’s mound, perhaps wearing a White Sox cap beneath his zucchetto, represents something profound about American Catholicism and the universal language of sports. As the world awaits news of whether this ceremonial first pitch will actually take place, both Catholics and baseball fans share a common hope—that when Pope Leo takes the mound, he’ll throw a perfect strike, blessing both the stadium and a new era of White Sox baseball with equal precision.
