{
  "id": 9788023,
  "title": "Pope Leo XIV on White Sox return to postseason: 'Great things happen in Chicago'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/pope-leo-xiv-on-white-sox-return-to-postseason-great-things-happen-in",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-25T16:07:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/article/pope-leo-xiv-on-white-sox-return-to-postseason-great-things-happen-in-chicago-160701124.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Chicago White Sox have returned to the postseason after a five-year absence, clinching their spot with a resounding 9-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals. This marks a significant turnaround for the franchise, which had endured three consecutive seasons of 100 losses prior to the 2026 season. The team's success can be attributed to various factors, including offensive contributions from Miguel Vargas, Colson Montgomery, and Munetaka Murakami, as well as a strong pitching staff led by Sean Burke. One potential factor that has come to light is the influence of Pope Leo XIV, a dedicated and long-time fan of the White Sox. The Pope's fandom is well-documented, as he attended the team's World Series victory in 2005. When asked about the White Sox's improved performance, Pope Leo responded with a smile, saying \"Great things happen in Chicago.\" The team and its fanbase have warmly embraced Pope Leo XIV since his ascension to the Papacy, and as the playoffs approach, everyone on Chicago's South Side is hopeful that the Pope's good fortune will culminate in a championship parade at the end of October.",
  "summary": "The White Sox have not won a playoff since series claiming the 2005 World Series title.",
  "key_points": [
    "Chicago White Sox return to postseason after 5-year absence",
    "Miguel Vargas, Colson Montgomery, Munetaka Murakami contribute offensively",
    "Pope Leo XIV, longtime fan, says \"Great things happen in Chicago\""
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}