White Sox Unveil Pope Leo XIV Graphic Near 2005 World Series Seat in Special Tribute

Pope Leo XIV is receiving a unique tribute at Chicago's Guaranteed Rate Field, as the White Sox organization honors his attendance at the 2005 World Series. The team will display new artwork commemorating the pope’s visit, a nod to both his Chicago roots and his connection to baseball’s enduring cultural reach. The graphic, set to be unveiled Monday, marks the precise location where Pope Leo XIV—then known as Robert Prevost—cheered alongside thousands of fans during Game 1 of the 2005 championship. That October evening saw the White Sox prevail over the Houston Astros by a score of 5-3, laying the groundwork for their sweeping four-game victory and first title in nearly a century. Key highlights of the event include:

• Pope Leo XIV's appearance on the nationally televised broadcast during the top of the ninth inning as the White Sox clinched their Game 1 win.
• The future pontiff attended the game with Ed Schmit, a family friend and longtime season ticket holder, whom he met through their shared work at a South Side Catholic high school.
• Schmit’s son, Nick, still maintains the account for the very seat occupied by the future pope that historic night.

The White Sox organization has embraced this newfound connection to the Vatican. Following Pope Leo XIV's election, the club sent a jersey and cap to Rome, further solidifying the bond between the team and the pontiff. According to a White Sox spokesperson, the new pillar artwork stands as a testament to “the unifying power of baseball on the world stage.”

In a lighthearted response, White Sox fans paid homage last week by dressing as the pope during a game at Wrigley Field—even though the team suffered a heavy 13-3 loss to the Cubs. Such gestures highlight the enthusiastic embrace by local fans eager to celebrate both their team’s history and its ties to a global figure. The Associated Press contributed to this report.