Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost became the first American Pope on May 8, 2025. He hails from the Windy City, which is home to two beloved Major League Baseball teams. From the beginning, the Chicago native made one thing very clear: Pope Leo XIV roots for the White Sox. On August 11, 2026, the White Sox sold out Rate Field for “Pope Hat Night.” Father Tom Hurley and local comedian Pat McGann addressed White Sox fans that night and encouraged them to participate in a Catholic Mass tradition, the sign of peace.
Videos by InspireMore
White Sox Fans Exchanged the Sign of Peace at the End of the Fifth Inning
“We offer each other a sign of peace because we want to bring peace to the world, and I think the pope would really love that, whether you’re Catholic or not,” Fr. Hurley said.
Cameras in the stadium captured thousands of White Sox fans from a myriad of backgrounds sharing in the sign of peace. In that brief moment during an MLB game, we saw camaraderie, happiness, and hope.
Baseball fans who caught video of the special moment online loved what they saw. Catholic or not, it touched their hearts.
This person knows Pope Leo was a proud man, seeing his team and fans sharing the love. “I’m sure the Pope is proud of this team & the people embracing this vibe.”
“That’s my priest! So proud to be a part of Old St Pats!” Someone wrote of Father Hurley.
Others had to get in a little joke.
Like this person, who wrote, “Dodgers v White Sox World Series oh yes it will be done.”
And this one who joked, “Everyone but cubs and packers fans AMEN.”
“Please make this a new tradition,” a fan prayed.
The peace be with you was so powerful that the White Sox even caught the attention of the other side of town. “Cubs fan and I love this,” a fan wrote.
We’re sure Pope Leo felt proud to be a White Sox fan and would gladly offer a handshake to anyone back home in Chicago, even if they’re a Cubs fan.
This story’s featured image can be found here
Want to be happier in just 5 minutes a day? Sign up for Morning Smile and join over 455,000+ people who start each day with good news.
