A quiet tribute at Rate Field is grabbing major attention as the Chicago White Sox honor an unlikely superfan — Pope Leo XIV.

According to The Daily Caller, the team has installed a commemorative plaque and photo on the stadium seat where then-Cardinal Leo XIV sat during Game 1 of the 2005 World Series, recognizing his longtime support of the franchise.

Pope Leo XIV, who has deep roots in Chicago, attended the 2005 World Series opener before rising to the papacy. At that time, he was serving as a cardinal, still years away from his election as pope.

Images of him in the crowd during that game resurfaced years later and went viral after his elevation. White Sox fans were surprised to find one of their own had ascended to global prominence.

The organization chose to mark the moment permanently. On August 22, Thomas C. Bowen posted to X, formerly known as Twitter, sharing a photo of the refurbished seat featuring a small plaque and an image of the pope taken from the game.

Tribute Recognizes Historic Fan Connection

The plaque installed by the White Sox reportedly reads that it marks “the location where Pope Leo XIV cheered on the White Sox during Game 1 of the 2005 World Series.” The photo next to the text shows the future pope in mid-cheer, visibly immersed in the excitement of the game.

This small gesture has resonated powerfully, especially during a grim time for the White Sox franchise. The team is enduring a historically rough season, currently sitting at 46 wins and 83 losses, coming off a 121-loss year in 2024.

The pope’s connection to the team is offering a rare moment of uplift. One local observer on social media commented that “the Pope Leo story is the most positive press that the White Sox have had in a while.”

Fans and City Celebrate Papal Loyalty

And it’s not only the team commemorating the connection. On August 23, another social media post surfaced, this time from Gonzalo Del Rio, showing a new mural in Chicago featuring Pope Leo XIV and noting growing excitement surrounding his fandom.

The White Sox’s decision to publicize the connection is being met with widespread approval. A sports commentator remarked, “If you’re the White Sox, you have to take advantage of the Pope Leo situation.”

Others have gone further, wondering on live online discussions whether Pope Leo XIV deserves a place of honor even greater than a single stadium seat. One user half-jokingly asked, “Pope Leo XIV … the king of Chicago right now?”

Reviving Morale Amid Struggling Season

This wave of support is functioning almost like a morale boost for the team and its fan base. With playoff hopes dashed early in the season, the story has become a welcome distraction and point of pride among supporters.

Even casual fans have engaged with the gesture. Social media continues to amplify photos of the marked seat at Rate Field, turning what might have been a minor in-house nod into something embraced city-wide.

“The Chicago White Sox are still taking advantage of Pope Leo XIV being a massive fan of their franchise, and they’re doing it in style,” another post read, capturing the general sentiment among fans and commentators alike.

Looking Back to 2005 for Inspiration

Game 1 of the 2005 World Series holds historic significance for the White Sox. The series, which they eventually swept, brought the team its first championship title since 1917.

With Leo XIV in attendance at that game as a then-cardinal, his connection to the team now feels embedded in one of the franchise’s proudest moments. It’s a link between spiritual leadership and hometown pride not often seen at Major League ballparks.

As one fan observed, it’s not just baseball — “it’s the whole city” showing appreciation for one of its own. That growing affection has turned a quiet tribute into a spotlighted celebration.