Pope Leo XIV's Chicago White Sox fandom and the South Siders' surprisingly sublime 2026 season will collide Tuesday, Aug. 11, when the club will distribute pope hats to every fan in attendance at Rate Park.
The White Sox's game against the Cincinnati Reds will be a de facto tribute to the pope, who attended the 2005 World Series, when the White Sox won their first championship since 1917.
Among the frivolities:
- The Pope Hat, which expanded from a limited giveaway to include all paying customers. The game is now effectively sold out.
- A performance by the ChiTown Popes at the Gate 4 Stage.
- A national anthem performed by legendary organist Nancy Faust.
- A first pitch from Sister Mary Jo Sobieck
- A "peace be with you" led by South Side Natives, Father Tom Hurley and comedian Pat McGann.
It will have the dint of a holy evening, for certain, though checking back in six weeks might provide any clue that divine intervention is aiding the White Sox.
Can they hold onto their lead in the AL Central? Lord, hear our prayer.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: White Sox pope hat giveaway is tribute to world's most famous
Chicago fan
