White Sox Turn Rate Field Into Papal Celebration for Leo XIV

Key points

• 40,000 'pope hats' were distributed to fans, inspired by the mitre worn by Catholic leaders.
• Rev. Tom Hurley and comedian Pat McGann led the crowd in a traditional 'Sign of Peace' during the fifth inning.
• Sister Mary Jo Sobieck threw the ceremonial first pitch, her second such appearance, having previously earned an ESPY nomination in 2019.
• The White Sox donated $14,000 to Prior Provincial Rev. Tom McCarthy of the Midwest Augustinians, an order Pope Leo led in the late 1990s.
• The White Sox lost the game 5-4 to the Cincinnati Reds but maintain their lead in the American League Central Division.

Background

Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, is a Chicago native who grew up in Dolton and attended Catholic schools in the area. He was named the first American pope in May 2025. The White Sox have previously honored him with a mural and a Catholic Mass at Rate Field in June 2025. The team also recently signed top prospect Roch Cholowsky, indicating a focus on building a young core alongside community engagement.

How outlets are covering it

Block Club Chicago emphasized the local Catholic connections, highlighting the involvement of Morgan Park natives Rev. Tom Hurley and Pat McGann, and the donation to the Midwest Augustinians. AP News framed the event as part of a broader MLB trend of creative marketing to drive attendance, noting other teams' unique promotions. Chicago Sun-Times focused on the scale of the event, noting the thousands of attendees and the 'Catholic fanfare,' while confirming the game result. All sources agree on the core facts of the hat giveaway and the loss, but differ in emphasis: Block Club on community ties, AP on industry trends, and Sun-Times on the spectacle.

Why it matters

The event underscores the deep cultural and religious ties between the Chicago White Sox and the local Catholic community, particularly through the figure of Pope Leo XIV. It demonstrates how MLB teams leverage local identity and historical figures to boost engagement and attendance, turning a baseball game into a community celebration that transcends sports.

What to watch

The White Sox will continue their season, aiming to maintain their first-place position in the AL Central. Future games may include further community-focused promotions, especially given the team's recent investment in young talent like Roch Cholowsky. The impact of the Pope Hat Night on long-term fan engagement and ticket sales will be monitored by the organization.