Paul Konerko Receives a Papal Gift in Celebration of the 2005 Championship
In a moving pre-game ceremony against the Cleveland Guardians, legendary Chicago White Sox player Paul Konerko was honored with a special gift commemorating the twentieth anniversary of the 2005 World Series championship.
Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, presented Konerko with a jersey signed by Pope Leo XIV, a well-known White Sox fan.
The jersey, which bore the surname of the six-time All-Star and the inscription “Papa Leo” above the number 14, was a significant gesture in recognition of the historic victory.
Robert Prevost, the first American Pope in the history of the Catholic Church, was elected on May 8. The Chicago-born missionary, who adopted the name Leo XIV, is a fervent follower of the White Sox.
Pope Leo XIV was present at the first game of the 2005 World Series against Houston in Chicago. From Section 140, Row 19, Seat 2, he witnessed the White Sox’s victory over the Astros with a score of 5-3, marking the beginning of a sweep that gave them their first title since 1917.
In May, the team unveiled a graphic installation near the seat that paid homage to Pope Leo and that moment. The artwork features an image of Pope Leo XIV waving, along with a photograph of the television broadcast showing the future pope with his good friend Ed Schmit and his grandson, Eddie.
The 2005 team members gathered in Chicago this weekend to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the championship.
In addition, the White Sox unveiled patches on their uniforms in honor of the late closer Bobby Jenks, who died last week in Portugal, where he was receiving treatment for stomach cancer. On Friday, the team unveiled a statue of former ace Mark Buehrle.
