The Chicago White Sox posted a photograph on Aug. 27 showing Pope Leo XIV with a White Sox-themed “Pope Hat,” a cap inspired by a team giveaway from its Aug. 11 game against the Cincinnati Reds.
MLB.com reported that Father Tom McCarthy presented the hat to the pope. McCarthy and Pope Leo XIV posed for a photograph after the delivery, and the White Sox later shared it on social media.
In the image, McCarthy stands to the pope’s right, according to FOX Sports. The cap has a black-and-gold design and a single white stocking logo, MLB.com reported.
The White Sox wrote on social media, “The White Sox Pope Hat has officially landed at the Vatican 🤝 pic.twitter.com/vcWoF9lzg9”.
Giveaway tied to Aug. 11 Reds game
The hat was handed out during the White Sox’s Aug. 11 win over the Reds, MLB.com reported. McCarthy attended that game and received a check from Chicago White Sox Charities on behalf of Midwest Augustinian Province.
The presentation adds to public links between Pope Leo XIV and the club. MLB.com reported that he attended the 2005 World Series and met with A.J. Pierzynski to receive the final-out ball from Game 1. FOX Sports also reported that a photograph had surfaced showing him wearing a White Sox hat at the 2005 World Series.
White Sox standings cited by FOX Sports
FOX Sports reported that the White Sox were 70-63 and held a 2.5-game lead over the Cleveland Guardians for first place in the AL Central when it published its report. The outlet said Chicago had scored 21 runs in its previous two games and won three of its previous four.
MLB.com listed the White Sox’s division lead as 2 1/2 games in its report. It was unknown whether Pope Leo XIV would wear the cap.