Pope Leo XIV Receives Autographed Jersey from Paul Konerko
VATICAN CITY – Pope Leo XIV, a fervent baseball fan, received a significant gift: a jersey autographed by Paul Konerko, a Chicago White Sox legend and 2005 World Series champion.
Robert Prevost, the pontiff’s birth name, posed in the Vatican with the jersey signed by Konerko, one of the most emblematic players of the White Sox during his 16 seasons on the team.
The gift was sent by the former first baseman in July of last year, shortly after the Pope’s fandom became public, the first American pontiff and native of the South Side of Chicago, an area strongly linked to the White Sox.
A curious fact adds to this story: Konerko used the number 14 for much of his career in Chicago, while Prevost became the 14th pope to adopt the name Leo.
The Pope’s connection to the White Sox is well known. During the 2005 World Series, he was caught celebrating one of the championship games won by Chicago against the Houston Astros.
Furthermore, in June 2025, the Pope was publicly seen in the Vatican wearing a White Sox cap, which reinforced his bond with the franchise.
As part of this recognition, the club announced that it will give away themed caps inspired by Pope Leo XIV during the match on August 11 against the Cincinnati Reds.
