Pope Leo XIV sends letter to White Sox

Pope Leo XIV sent a letter to the Chicago White Sox encouraging the team to promote friendship and solidarity. The Sept. 9 message was addressed to team chairman Jerry Reinsdorf and arrived at Rate Field on Tuesday, the same day the team played its first game of the AL Wild Card Series against the Houston Astros.

The pope wrote the letter in response to a message from Reinsdorf following a pope-themed game held on Aug. 11 against the Cincinnati Reds. During that event, the team distributed more than 38,000 stylized black-and-gold miters to fans, and Dominican Sister Mary Jo Sobieck of Springfield, Illinois, threw the first pitch. In his response, the pope expressed gratitude for the gesture and stated his hope that the team would foster bonds of friendship and peace among people.

The pope, who grew up in Chicago, referenced his Feb. 6 letter, Life in Abundance, which discusses the value of sport. He noted that sport can serve as a school of life where participants learn that true abundance comes from sharing, respecting others, and the joy of walking together rather than victory at any cost.

White Sox manager Will Venable said the support from the pope meant a lot to the team. The White Sox won their playoff opener against the Astros 6-3.