"Pope Leo XIV Tribute: Uniting Faith and Baseball at Rate Field"
Read "Pope Leo XIV Tribute: Uniting Faith and Baseball at Rate Field" on WALY Radio
"Pope Leo XIV Tribute: Uniting Faith and Baseball at Rate Field"
[!CDATA[The Chicago White Sox are set to reveal a special graphic installation in honor of Pope Leo XIV, who made history as the first U.S.-born pope in the Catholic Church. The pope, formerly known as Robert Prevost, hails from Chicago and is known to be a fan of the White Sox, as confirmed by his brother, John. The installation at Rate Field will commemorate the spot where Pope Leo XIV cheered on the White Sox during Game 1 of the 2005 World Series, which the team went on to win in a four-game sweep against the Astros. The artwork on the pillar is meant to celebrate the pope's Chicago roots and highlight the unifying influence of baseball on a global scale. During the game, the pope was accompanied by Ed Schmit, a close family friend and season ticket holder. Their connection stemmed from their shared involvement at a Catholic high school on Chicago's South Side, and Schmit's son, Nick, continues to hold the account for the pope's seat at the World Series. Despite the White Sox's recent struggles on the field, both the team and its fans have embraced the unique link to the newly elected pope. In a gesture of goodwill, the White Sox sent a jersey and hat to the Vatican following the pope's election. Additionally, a group of White Sox supporters dressed up as the pope attended a game against the crosstown Cubs at Wrigley Field. In conclusion, the Chicago White Sox's tribute to Pope Leo XIV through the graphic installation at Rate Field underscores the special connection between the pontiff and the team, showcasing the intersection of faith, sports, and community spirit.]]