Pope Leo XIV White Sox mural: Why Chicago created graphic of new pope at 2005 World Series

Colin Capece

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Pope Leo XIV White Sox mural: Why Chicago created graphic of new pope at 2005 World Series image

The White Sox were the worst team in MLB history last year, but hey, at least they have God on their side now.

Pope Leo XIV, who was elected as the first American pontiff in the more than 2000-year history of the office on May 8, is confirmed to be a White Sox fan. He is originally from the South Side of Chicago and was miraculously spotted on TV at Game 1 of the World Series in 2005.

The White Sox are honoring Pope Leo XIV with a mural above the section where he sat on that fateful night 20 years ago. He was a clergy member named Robert Prevost — or Father Bob — at the time, but there still may have been some divine intervention involved to help the South Siders start their run to the team's only championship in the last 100 years. 

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Things are looking up for the White Sox in 2025, especially since they have discovered one of the most famous and holy leaders in the world is one of their own.

Here's a look at Pope Leo XIV's new mural at Rate Field.

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Pope Leo XIV White Sox mural

The White Sox have put up a new mural of Pope Leo XIV at Rate Field above the section where he sat for Game 1 of the World Series. The artwork depicts Pope Leo XIV greeting the crowds at the Vatican for the first time as pontiff, as well as a picture of him watching the final out of the 5-3 win over the Astros on October 22, 2005. There is a plaque to commemorate the moment that occurred in Section 140 of what was then U.S. Cellular Field.

At the time, Pope Leo XIV was Robert Prevost, the Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine, and living in Chicago. Who could have predicted that this fan who appeared briefly on the Fox broadcast of the World Series would become the first Pope from the United States?

Where is Pope Leo XIV from?

Pope Leo XIV is originally from Chicago. He was born in the Bronzeville neighborhood on the city's South Side and was raised in the nearby suburb of Dolton, Illinois. His parish growing up was in Riverdale, another neighborhood on the South Side.  

Is Pope Leo XIV a White Sox fan?

Pope Leo XIV is certainly a White Sox fan, as a clip of him attending Game 1 of the 2005 World Series has made the rounds on the internet since he was elected pontiff.

There was some initial reporting by ABC News saying he was a Cubs fan, and the North Siders quickly claimed him. However, Pope Leo XIV's brother, John Prevost, clarified that the South Sider is a White Sox fan. 

Colin Capece

Colin Capece is an editorial intern for The Sporting News. He previously wrote The Dallas Morning News, USA Today and The Arizona Republic. Colin earned his master's degree in journalism from Northwestern University and loves to talk baseball and basketball.