Pope Leo XIV could star in a historic moment with the White Sox in the MLB playoffs

Pope Leo XIV holds an open invitation to throw out a ceremonial first pitch for the Chicago White Sox during the MLB postseason. The proposal gained renewed attention as the franchise returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2021. The Chicago native, elected pontiff in May 2025, has publicly expressed his enthusiasm for the club's unexpected October run following consecutive 100-loss campaigns in 2024 and 2025.

The lifelong supporter attended Game 1 of the 2005 World Series, where Chicago defeated the Houston Astros 5-3, leading the team to commemorate his seat. In June, former catcher A.J. Pierzynski presented the Pope with the final-out baseball from that contest, alongside a signed Paul Konerko jersey. Pope Leo XIV recently sent a letter of gratitude to White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf prior to the Wild Card Series.