Pope Leo XIV gives autographed jersey to White Sox player from 2005 World Series team
Share this @internewscast.com

In a reversal of roles, a fan has signed a jersey for a pro athlete. 

Pope Leo XIV had a signed jersey delivered to former Chicago White Sox great Paul Konerko. 

During a pre-game ceremony preceding a match with the Cleveland Guardians, Chicago Archbishop Blase Cupich gifted Konerko a jersey adorned with the new pontiff’s signature on the back.

It had the six-time All-Star’s last name and “Pope Leo” above the No. 14.

Robert Prevost became the first pope from the US in the history of the Catholic Church when he was elected May 8.

The Chicago-born missionary, who took the name Leo XIV, is a White Sox fan.

Prevost attended the 2005 World Series opener against Houston in Chicago.

He watched from Section 140, Row 19, Seat 2 as the White Sox beat the Astros 5-3 on their way to a four-game sweep and their first title since 1917.

Prevost appeared on the “MLB on FOX” broadcast of the game held at US Cellular Field on October 22, 2005. The cameras caught him in the ninth inning while the White Sox were securing a 5-3 victory over the Houston Astros.

According to the White Sox, the pope attended the game with the late Ed Schmit, a family friend and season ticket holder.

The two were acquainted through their professional engagements at a Catholic high school situated on Chicago’s South Side, with Schmit’s son, Nick, still holding the account for the pope’s World Series seat.

Prevost was first revealed as a White Sox fan when his brother, John Prevost, mentioned it in an interview with WGN-TV. 

“He was always a Sox fan,” John said.

In May, the team unveiled a graphic installed near the seat paying tribute to Pope Leo and that moment.

The pillar artwork features a waving Pope Leo XIV along with a picture from the TV broadcast of the future pope sitting with good Schmit and his grandson, Eddie.

Members of the 2005 team are in Chicago this weekend to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the championship run.

The White Sox debuted uniform patches honoring late closer Bobby Jenks, who died last week in Portugal, where he was being treated for stomach cancer.

On Friday, the team unveiled a statue of former ace Mark Buehrle.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
'Just blown away': Jacksonville family of nine overwhelmed by community support after house fire

Heartwarming Community Response: Jacksonville Family of Nine Rebuilds After Devastating House Fire

“It’s simply astounding what people can accomplish when they open their hearts…
Trump Wishes Merry Christmas to All, Even 'Radical Left Scum'

Trump’s Controversial Christmas Greeting: Extends Holiday Wishes to All, Including ‘Radical Left Scum

On Christmas Eve, President Donald Trump extended festive greetings to Americans, notably…
More holiday bark sold at Aldi recalled over undeclared allergens

Aldi Initiates Recall of Holiday Bark Due to Undisclosed Allergen Concerns

Recent developments have led to an expanded recall of certain products sold…
Make-A-Wish brings back annual Holiday Wish Line messages

Make-A-Wish Reintroduces Annual Holiday Wish Line Messages

According to the Make-A-Wish CEO, their hotline serves as a “powerful antidote”…
North Korea releases images of development of nuclear-powered submarine

Unveiled: North Korea’s Pioneering Leap into Nuclear Submarine Technology

North Korea has unveiled what appears to be significant strides in its…
$775 million Powerball: Winning numbers for Wednesday, Dec. 3

Discover the Winning Numbers for Powerball’s December 24th Drawing

WASHINGTON — Hold onto your tickets: Could you be the next big…
Late-night joyride ends in disaster as driver smashes into towering Christmas tree on camera

Driver’s Late-Night Excursion Culminates in Collision with Towering Christmas Tree, Captured on Camera

In a dramatic and reckless display of late-night driving, a joyride in…
Mayor Adams vetoes bill that’d make it easier for gender violence victims to sue

Mayor Adams Vetoes Proposed Legislation to Simplify Legal Recourse for Gender Violence Survivors

In one of his final moves before leaving office, Mayor Adams issued…
Will Arnett reveals what inspired his new movie 'Is This Thing On?'

Will Arnett Unveils the Inspiration Behind His Latest Film ‘Is This Thing On?

Will Arnett, the star of “Is This Thing On?”, reveals the inspiration…
Chicago man Andrew Anania sentenced in kidnapping, sexually assaulting drivers at gunpoint; Walter Moran also convicted

Colorado Mother Kimberlee Singler Extradited from UK, Faces Charges in Deaths of Two Children

A woman from Colorado, accused of killing two of her children amid…
Today in History: December 25, Northwest Airlines passengers foil underwear bomber

December 25 Milestone: How Northwest Airlines Passengers Thwarted the Infamous Underwear Bomber

It’s Thursday, December 25, 2025, marking the 359th day of the year…
Christmas spirit returns to Jesus' birthplace after more than two years of war

Holiday Cheer Revives in Jesus’ Birthplace Following Over Two Years of Conflict

For the first time since the U.S.-facilitated Israel-Hamas peace agreement, Bethlehem welcomed…