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The Chicago White Sox have made it clear who they in the sky... or at least in the Vatican. The team took advantage of their meeting with the Seattle Mariners to pay a unique and peculiar tribute to their most sacred fan: Pope Leo XIV.
The tribute took the form of a graphic installation located at Guaranteed Rate Field, home of the franchise, in which the Pontiff can be seen waving with the Chicago skyline in the background.
The image is accompanied by an iconic photograph of Leon XIV celebrating during the 2005 World Series, when the White Sox won the title that ended an 88-year drought.
Images evidencing the Pope's fondness for the pale-footed began to circulate shortly after the 69-year-old American cardinal was elected as the new leader of the Catholic Church.
A heavenly call of for the White Sox
In one of the most talked-about photos, there is an image taken by Heidi Skokal for the Chicago Sun Times, in which he is seen talking on the phone during the historic 2005 championship, in a scene that many imagined as a direct call "to the man upstairs" to ask for a decisive run.
The Pope's display of devotion to the team did not go unnoticed by the White Sox executives, who decided to immortalize the moment with a gesture that mixes religion and baseball, two ions that are lived with intensity in Chicago.
In addition to the artwork, a framed team jersey was placed next to the installation, ready to be worn by His Holiness if he ever decides to attend a live match. In this way, the Pope already has his own "uniform" ready to cheer on the team from the stands.
Although he is more than 4,000 miles away, Pope Leo XIVhas not disconnected from his roots. While the White Sox were celebrating their fervor at the stadium, he was in an audience with US Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha, who gave him another gift with a taste of home: a personalized jersey from the Chicago Bears, the city's football team.
This exchange between religious and sporting symbols confirms that, although his responsibilities as spiritual leader of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide take up most of his time, the Pope still finds room for his earthly ions. Whether it's with a Sox or Bears jersey, Leo XIV proves that faith and sport are not mutually exclusive.
The White Sox tribute marks an unprecedented moment: never before has a Pope been publicly linked as a fan of a Major League Baseball team.
If you ever decide to visit Chicago during the season, there is no doubt that the stadium will welcome you with open arms... and with merchandise ready for you to wear.
After all, even at the height of spirituality, there is always room to celebrate a home run.