White Sox pope hat rightfully makes its way to the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV

Pope Leo XIV, who was not present on August 11 when his beloved Chicago White Sox celebrated a home run victory against the Cincinnati Reds in his honor with team-customized mitre hats, has now received the iconic headdress at the Vatican. The White Sox Pope Hat, featuring the team's logo on the distinctive "pope hat" design adorned with gold and white embroidery, was delivered to the Vatican by Father Tom McCarthy.

The White Sox Charities presented McCarthy with a check for the Midwest Augustinian Province in honor of Pope Leo, a member of the same order. Two weeks after the event, a photo emerged of McCarthy and Pope Leo standing together, with the pontiff holding the newly-acquired garb. The White Sox's memorable "Pope Hat" night, which featured Chitown Popes performing pregame, Sister Mary Jo Sobieck of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield tossing the ceremonial first pitch, and handshakes exchanging "peace be with you," has become an enduring memory for fans.

The team, currently 70-63 with a 2.5-game lead in the AL Central, has had a successful 2026 campaign. Pope Leo, the first U.S.-born pontiff, has been cheering on his team both up close and from afar.