Pope Leo XIV may be the world’s most famous Chicago White Sox fan (though he’s competing with former President Barack Obama in that category), and former catcher AJ Pierzynski found the perfect gift for him.
Shortly after the pope ascended to the papacy last year, eagle-eyed observers realized that he had been in attendance of Game 1 of the 2005 World Series at Rate Field, even being shown on camera during the ninth inning of the game.
They found Pope Leo XIV on the White Sox World Series broadcast in 2005(h/t @SoxOn35th)pic.twitter.com/67egr9xE9I
— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) May 9, 2025The White Sox immortalized that moment with a mural at Rate Field, and the team has fully embraced having the pontiff as part of the South Side family.
Recently in Rome, Pierzynski got to meet His Holiness at the Vatican, and he presented him with an incredible gift: the ball used to record the final out in that World Series game the pope attended all those years ago.
“I was honored to give him the last out ball from Game 1 of the 2005 World Series, the game he attended,” he said.
Pope Leo has been seen at the Vatican wearing a White Sox hat during his papacy, and he also delivered a special message via video to Chicago Catholics during an event at Rate Field last year.
The White Sox are also getting in on the fun, giving away a limited-edition “Pope Hat” before their August 11 game at Rate Field.
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