Pope Leo XIV Finally Gets His Signed White Sox Jersey

When you become pope, you don't expect packages from your favorite baseball players to still find their way to you.

But Pope Leo XIV just proved that being the leader of the Catholic Church doesn't mean giving up your sports fandom. The Vatican released photos this week showing the pontiff beaming as he held up a signed Chicago White Sox jersey from former first baseman Paul Konerko.

Robert Prevost grew up on Chicago's South Side and has been a devoted White Sox fan his entire life. When he became Pope Leo XIV last year, the first American to hold the position, he didn't hide his baseball loyalties. During Game 1 of the 2005 World Series, cameras caught him in the stands as the White Sox began their sweep of the Astros.

Last July, Konerko signed a pinstriped home jersey specifically for the new pope. The gift took nearly a year to make its way through Vatican channels, but it finally arrived. The timing couldn't be better, given the special connection the two men share.

Konerko wore number 14 throughout his 16 seasons with the White Sox. Pope Leo is the 14th pope to choose the name Leo. The baseball star was a cornerstone of that magical 2005 championship team that ended an 88-year World Series drought for Chicago.

Sunny's Take

The pope has embraced his White Sox fandom openly since taking office. He wore a White Sox cap during a Vatican appearance in June 2025, delighting fans back home. The team is honoring their most famous supporter with pope-themed hats at their August 11 game against the Reds.

This moment shows how some connections run deeper than position or place. A kid from the South Side became the pope, but he's still the same person who cheered in the stands during that unforgettable World Series run. And Paul Konerko, who gave Chicago fans so many memories, just gave their most prominent fan one more.

Even at the Vatican, the love for your hometown team never fades.