From ESPN:
The Chicago White Sox, looking for every bit of divine intervention that they can get heading into the postseason, got a letter of support from Pope Leo XIV prior to Tuesday’s playoff opener against the Houston Astros.
“As I have noted, sport can truly become a school of life, where all can learn that abundance does not come from victory at any cost, but from sharing, from respecting others and from the joy of walking together,” the pontiff wrote to White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf.
“In this spirit, it is my hope that the White Sox will continue to foster bonds of friendship and solidarity among people, and thus bear hopeful witness to the possibility of living and working together in peace.
“With these sentiments, I willingly invoke the Almighty’s abundant blessings upon you and your loved ones.”
Related: ‘Pope Hat Night’ for White Sox fans
The letter, which was dated Sept. 9, was a response to the team’s promotion on Aug. 11. For that game, fans received hats shaped like the Pope’s miter with the White Sox logo in the middle.
The Pope was given one of the miters by South Side native Father Tom McCarthy in August.
“I am most grateful for this thoughtful gesture,” Pope Leo XIV wrote to Reinsdorf.
The White Sox visit Houston for Game 1 of the best-of-three American League Wild Card series on Tuesday.
He broke Vatican protocol in 2025 by donning a White Sox cap. In March, he gave a thumbs-up to someone who yelled “God bless the White Sox!”
