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Holy Sox! Pope Leo XIV sends message ahead of Wild Card opener

Although Pope Leo XIV missed the opening matchup of the American League Wild Card Series between the White Sox and Astros in Houston, he made his presence felt via correspondence dispatched directly to club chairman Jerry Reinsdorf. The communication from the Vatican acknowledged a previous summer promotion at Rate Field where special papal headwear was distributed to attendees, including one mailed directly to the pontiff.

The message commended the organization for utilizing athletics to promote community unity and harmony, concluding with divine blessings directed toward Reinsdorf and his family. The connection to the franchise runs deep, as Robert Prevost had previously been present for the 2005 World Series sweep against Houston prior to assuming the papacy, while a celebratory postseason garment was recently dispatched to both the Pope and former President Barack Obama following the team's qualification in Kansas City.

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