In a scene blending faith and fandom, Pope Leo XIV, a Chicago native, surprised onlookers with a show of support for his favorite baseball team, the White Sox, during a ride through Vatican City this week. A video shared by the Chicago Sun-Times captures the moment the pontiff engaged in a chant, "White Sox! White Sox!" initiated by fans as he greeted the faithful in St. Peter's Square. Pope Leo's unexpected participation, waving in rhythm and adding a few chants of his own, marked another instance of his South Side spirit since assuming the papacy on May 8.
Yet his lighthearted moment came amidst serious commentary, where Pope Leo XIV warned about the severe impact of high-tech weaponry in current conflicts, cautioning against becoming desensitized to war during his Wednesday address, he mentioned in a warning that echoed his earlier apprehensions about modern warfare's potential to escalate brutality, as reported by FOX 32 Chicago. Despite balancing his role as a spiritual leader and a baseball aficionado, Pope Leo XIV, who donned a Sox hat on June 11 after receiving it as a gift from newlyweds, has yet to comment publicly about his thoughts on the White Sox's current season.
As the White Sox's most famous fan, the pope's endorsement has not gone unnoticed by the team and fans alike, with a recent mural unveiled near his old World Series seats and a Mass at Rate Field celebrating his election. Pitcher Davis Martin commented on the pope's enthusiasm, saying, "I had friends blowing up my phone with that video" and reflected on the novelty of having a pontiff possibly aware of his on-field performance, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
On the field, the White Sox have struggled with a 13-22 record post-papal election even with divine approval seemingly behind them, which included a notable change in the roster with the acquisition of Vinny Capra off waivers and the strategic movements involving Adrian Houser being placed on paternity leave and Tyler Gilbert being recalled from Triple-A, "Those aren't cheap, so I'm sure he's pretty locked in on the White Sox," Martin added giving a nod to Pope Leo's dedication, the White Sox continue with their season's challenges.
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