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The Viral Pope: Pope Leo XIV Wearing White Sox Vatican Cap Takes the Internet by Storm
Jun
On June 11, 2025, a seemingly simple moment at the Vatican became an international talking point: Pope Leo XIV, born and raised in Chicago, arrived at his weekly general audience wearing a Chicago White Sox baseball cap. Captured in vivid images across news outlets, the 69‑year‑old pontiff’s fan gesture sparked excitement from sports fans, media outlets, online communities, and even rival fanbases. Here’s why this viral moment transcends fashion and sports to become a cultural phenomenon.
⚾ A Pontiff with Chicago Roots and South Side Pride
Pope Leo XIV, formerly Robert Francis Prevost, was born in Dolton, a suburb of Chicago. His brother John Prevost confirmed his longstanding allegiance to the White Sox, dispelling rumors that he was a Cubs fan. The moment captured on camera during the Vatican audience confirmed what many already suspected: he’s a proud South Side supporter.
Media outlets like Monday’s Fox Sports and Sports Illustrated confirmed that he wore the iconic black cap emblazoned with the White Sox “Sox” logo during the address echoed the moment as a welcomed show of fandom.
🎉 White Sox Nation Rejoices
The White Sox organization was quick to celebrate their most high-profile fan. On June 11, their official X (formerly Twitter) account shared:
Pope Leo XIV, a Chicago native, stuns in a White Sox cap. pic.twitter.com/AeSP4ZYEFQ
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) June 11, 2025
Further demonstrating the newfound pope-team connection, the Sox recently unveiled a graphic mural at Guaranteed Rate Field, placed near Seat 2 of Section 140—the exact seat where Prevost sat during Game 1 of the 2005 World Series sweep over Houston.
White Sox exec Brooks Boyer has extended a playful invitation for the pope to throw the ceremonial first pitch (or even take an at-bat!), an offer he joked might happen “when he’s in full vestments”
🌍 Ripples Beyond Baseball
This moment resonated far beyond Chicago’s south side or baseball fans. New York Post highlighted the Pope as “Chicago’s hometown hero,” embracing both local identity and global curiosity.
CBS Sports noted that the Vatican formerly used this platform to connect with global audiences—now enriched by a loved hometown image . Even Cubs fans appreciated the moment, with Vanity Fair noting the unity during a heated Cubs–Sox rivalry.
Moreover, The Washington Post and viral meme pages spotlighted how this lighthearted twist humanized papal tradition, sparking pop‑culture buzz and memes across social platforms
📈 The Stats Story: Sox Performing Better with Papal Support?
Interestingly, the Sox’s on‑field performance has seen a surprising bump during Pope Leo XIV’s tenure. Before his election on May 8, the team posted a dismal 10–28 record. Since then, they’ve improved to around 13–17, a stretch some are jokingly calling “divine intervention”.
While no causal link obviously exists, this statistic has fueled playful narratives, especially among fans hopeful of celestial advantages.
🌟 What It All Means
Why does this viral moment matter?
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A Symbol of Humility
The Pope—leader of 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide—chose fandom over formality. A baseball cap rather than papal headgear humanized him in a global media moment. -
Civic and Cultural Connection
As the first American pope, Leo XIV bridges religious authority with everyday American culture—highlighting civic pride, local roots, and urban heritage. -
Global Media Magnet
The story dominated sports and general news: Fox Sports, CBS Sports, Sports Illustrated, and even New York Post and Vanity Fair picked it up, showing its wide resonance across audiences .
🏟️ What’s Next: Papal Pitch at Guaranteed Rate Field?
Mark your calendars for June 14, when the Archdiocese of Chicago hosts a celebration for Pope Leo XIV at Guaranteed Rate Field. Though he won’t be physically present, he’ll speak via video and—who knows—there might even be talk of a visit involving that iconic hat and a ceremonial pitch.
📚 Sources:
👕 Wear the Vibe – Get the Look at Amoralia!
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