CHICAGO — The Chicago White Sox unveiled a graphic installation on Monday that honors Pope Leo XIV.
On May 8, Robert Prevost made history by becoming the first American pope of the Catholic Church, choosing the name Leo XIV. His brother, John, mentioned that the Chicago-born former missionary is an enthusiast of the White Sox.
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A graphic display at Rate Field indicates where the soon-to-be pope showed his support for Chicago during Game 1 of the 2005 World Series. The White Sox triumphed over the Astros with a 5-3 victory, kicking off their four-game sweep to claim the championship.
The White Sox’s design team made the art installation, essentially placing a graphic over the wall.
The team said the pillar artwork commemorates the pope’s Chicago roots “and the unifying power of baseball on the world stage.”
According to the White Sox, the pope attended the game with the late Ed Schmit, a family friend and season ticket holder.
Ed was close friends with Pope Leo, as they grew up together as South Siders at St. Rita.
This installation features a snapshot from the broadcast of that World Series game, highlighting Ed’s grandson, Eddie Schmit IV, who was present at the event with his dad.
“When all this transpired, I looked back and I said, ‘Is that the pope next to me?’ And sure enough, it was, and it was pretty surreal, to say the least, and it was awesome to see that,” he said. “The pope is a White Sox fan, and we have proof.”
Before Eddie’s grandfather passed away, he had one message for his longtime friend.
“He said to Father Bob, ‘I know you’re gonna be the next pope. I may not be here to see it, but I’ll be definitely looking down.’ And I’m sure he is today,” Eddie said.
The family has owned season tickets since 1977, and they often invited the pope to the game, where he sat in seat two of row 19 in section 140.
Ed’s son, Nick, remains the account holder for the pope’s World Series seat. The White Sox now plan to permanently commemorate it.
“The pope absolutely has an open invite to come back to come sit in section 140, to throw out a first pitch. Heck, maybe we’ll let him get at bat,” said Brooks Boyer with the White Sox.
The White Sox, who have struggled on the field in recent years, and their fans have embraced their connection to the new pope since he was elected. The team said it sent a jersey and a hat to the Vatican after the announcement.
A group of White Sox fans dressed as the pope and watched a 13-3 loss to the crosstown Cubs from the bleachers at Wrigley Field on Friday afternoon.
The Schmit family, which has known him for decades, says the pope was just another South Sider from St. Rita who has always been so kind to others.
ABC7 Chicago’s Maher Kawash contributed to this report.
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