It’s called a ‘mitre’ and the only ways to get the pointed hat are to become Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church or simply attend an August 11 baseball game on Chicago’s South Side.
As most Chicago White Sox fans are well aware, Pope Leo XIV is a die-hard fan of the team, even as he’s busy providing spiritual leadership for the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics. The Chicagoland native born Robert Francis Prevost was on hand for Game 1 of the club’s 2005 World Series title – its first since the days of Pope Benedict XV – and was seen donning a White Sox hat in St. Peter’s Square just last year.
The team has responded with several homages to the 70-year-old at Rate Field, including a mural of the man just a few feet from where he sat during the Fall Classic two decades ago. Meanwhile, fans have embraced Pope Leo by dressing in full white cassock for games, albeit with a beer in hand rather than a cup of wine.
The next logical step will come on August 11 when the White Sox host their rivals from the 1919 World Series, the Cincinnati Reds.
As explained on the White Sox’ website, a limited number of fans seated in a designated ‘Pope’ section will receive ‘an exclusive Pope Hat’ emblazoned with the team logo rather than a cross.
Fans have been largely enthusiastic about the promotion.
Pope Leo XIV removes his zucchetto to don a White Sox hat in St. Peter’s Square as he met a newly wedded couple from the Chicago area on June 11, 2025
Known as a ‘miter,’ the pointed hat is available to Popes and those with special tickets to the Chicago White Sox’ August 11 matchup with the visiting Cincinnati Reds
‘This might be the greatest giveaway ever in any sport,’ one wrote on X.
‘Stop it,’ another added,’ this is awesome!’
Several others had a few jokes about the offer: ‘This should’ve been a game against the Padres.’
Pope Leo’s fandom has been a rare bright spot for the South Siders, which can explain the team’s willingness to dedicate a mural to him.
Now, in section 140, Row 19, and Seat 2 at Rate Field, fans can find a graphic installation marking Pope Leo’s seat for Game 1 of the 2005 World Series. Chicago would go on to win its first MLB crown since 1917 that year.
Footage from the game — Chicago’s 5-3 win over the visiting NL-champion Houston Astros — shows a younger Pope Leo in the crowd during his time as prior for the Order of Saint Augustine.
Robert Francis Prevost (left) is seen at Game 1 of the 2005 World Series in Chicago. He would go on to become Pope Leo XIV, although he still roots for his beloved White Sox
A wall decal of Pope Leo XIV is seen where he previously attended the 2005 World Series
White Sox fans dressed like Pope Leo in the bleachers during a 2025 game against the Cubs
Chicago White Sox and Bears Pope Leo XIV apparel is seen outside the ballpark prior to an MLB game against the Detroit Tigers on August 11, 2025, at Rate Field on the city’s South Side
There had been some erroneous reporting after he was named Pope that he was actually a Cubs fan, but his brother John Prevost has since put that myth to rest.
‘He was never ever a Cubs fan, so I don’t know where that came from,’ Prevost told Chicago’s WGN TV. ‘He was always a Sox fan. Our mother was a Cubs fan. I don’t know, maybe that clued in there and our dad was a Cardinals fan, so I don’t know where all that came from.
‘And all the aunts, our mom’s family was from the north side, so that’s why they were Cubs fans.’
Pope Leo has leaned into his public displays of affection for the White Sox ever since. In June, while blessing a newly married couple at the Vatican, Pope Leo was handed a White Sox hat, which he quickly placed over his zucchetto.
He’s also been seen leading ‘let’s go White Sox’ chants at St. Peter’s Square.
This season, the White Sox are off to another rough start at just 4-7, but were briefly resurrected over Easter weekend as they swept a three-game series from the defending American League-champion Toronto Blue Jays.
