Pope Leo XIV Accepts Invitation to Throw First Pitch at New White Sox Stadium

The announcement of a new American pope, born in Chicago, sparked excitement among sports fans. The question on everyone’s mind was straightforward: does he support the Cubs or the White Sox?

Shortly after his elevation to the papacy, reports surfaced confirming that Pope Leo XIV, previously known as Robert Prevost, is indeed a White Sox fan. Interestingly, initial rumors inaccurately claimed allegiance to the Cubs. However, evidence soon emerged of Pope Leo’s longstanding support for the White Sox, including footage of him attending the 2005 World Series, where the White Sox clinched victory in a series sweep.

Pope Leo XIV was elected in May of 2025, and shortly after, it became known that his former classmate from Vanderbilt Law School, Justin Ishbia, was in the process of purchasing the Chicago White Sox. This connection sparked a creative discussion between Ishbia and Pope Leo’s acquaintances about how to formally welcome the new pope to the Chicago sports community.

A playful idea was born: an invitation for Pope Leo XIV to throw the first pitch at the upcoming White Sox stadium.

This gesture seemed fitting, considering the pope’s passion for the team. After all, who wouldn’t want to see a pope, especially one who was present at a World Series, participate in a festive sporting event?

The Challenge of Reaching the Vatican

While the concept of inviting the pope to a baseball game might sound straightforward, the next question emerged: how can one possibly meet with the pope to extend this invitation?

Reaching the Vatican is not as simple as making a phone call. There are protocols, layers of bureaucracy, and schedules to navigate. With determination, Ishbia and his associates brainstormed solutions.

Eventually, they identified Vatican ambassador Brian Burch, who has ties to Chicago. Ambassador Burch, a previous resident of the Windy City, was considered a pivotal connection that could help facilitate the meeting.

A Warm Reception from the Vatican

In a fortunate turn of events, Ambassador Burch responded enthusiastically to the invitation idea. Today, the moment that many had hoped for unfolded in Vatican City: Justin Ishbia and his wife, Kristen, met with Pope Leo XIV.

During this historic meeting, they presented the pope with a team-autographed replica jersey from the 2005 White Sox World Series championship. The couple conveyed their invitation for him to throw the first pitch at the new stadium, and to their delight, Pope Leo expressed enthusiasm, indicating he would accept the invitation if his schedule permits.

This affirmative response marks a significant moment for both the White Sox community and for baseball fans in general. It signifies a potential visit from the first-ever American-born pope to Chicago, which would be his first visit to the city since 1979.

Excitement Builds for the Future

The news has generated considerable buzz on social media and among baseball enthusiasts. The possibility of Pope Leo XIV throwing the first pitch captures both the excitement of the upcoming baseball season and the warmth of community connection.

Many White Sox fans are optimistic, holding onto hope that this symbolic act can usher in a new era reminiscent of the magic that the 2005 season brought. The shared camaraderie between sports fans and the papacy might just offer the spirit needed to reignite that unforgettable journey.

This unexpected intersection of sports and religion prompts a deeper reflection on how figures like Pope Leo can bridge communities, inspiring goodwill and shared experiences among diverse groups of individuals.

A Wish for Success

As the anticipation of this highly-anticipated event unfolds, White Sox supporters are held in suspense. There is a collective hope that the first pitch will be a perfect strike, symbolizing not just a seamless throw, but also the unity and spirit of Chicago.

This meeting between sports and the papacy serves as a reminder of the joy and tradition found in baseball, enhanced by the charm of local legends. As plans continue to solidify, one thing is certain: the baseball community is eager to welcome Pope Leo XIV to his new role as an honorary part of the White Sox legacy.