Chicago’s beloved White Sox entered Game 1 of the AL Wild Card Series with a special blessing: a handwritten letter from Pope Leo XIV. The pontiff’s note, addressed to owner Jerry Reinsdorf, arrived at the newly renamed Rate Field on Tuesday, just hours before the team faced the Houston Astros.
Papal support arrives at the ballpark
According to the White Sox organization, the September 9 letter was delivered to the stadium’s front office and read aloud to players and staff before the game. Pope Leo, a lifelong Chicago resident who grew up cheering for the Sox, signed the letter as “Father Bob,” a name he used during his earlier visits to the city, including the 2005 World Series opener that saw a 5-3 White Sox win over the Astros.
“The Pope having our back and supporting us means a lot,” manager Will Venable said after the game. “It’s a reminder of the community and faith that surround this club.”
Letter’s message of peace and solidarity
In his note, the pontiff thanked Reinsdorf for a previous letter sent after the White Sox honored Leo during an August 11 game against Cincinnati. He wrote, “It is my hope that the White Sox will continue to foster bonds of friendship and solidarity among people, and thus bear hopeful witness to the possibility of living and working together in peace.” He concluded with a prayer, “With these sentiments, I willingly invoke the Almighty’s abundant blessings upon you and your loved ones.”
When asked if he had a hand in the team’s surprising turnaround, the smiling Pope offered a brief, “No comment,” adding a light‑hearted touch to the otherwise solemn correspondence.
White Sox rebound after years of struggle
The victory marked a bright start to the postseason for a club that secured an AL wild‑card berth with an 84‑78 record. This marks a dramatic shift from the previous three seasons, when the Sox lost at least 101 games each year. Fans in the stands and at home celebrated the win, noting the unique significance of receiving a papal blessing before a crucial playoff game.
Local supporters gathered outside the stadium, many holding rosaries and sharing prayers for the team’s success. The blend of faith and sport resonated deeply in a city where baseball and religious tradition often intersect.
Looking ahead
With the momentum from the opening win, the White Sox will aim to capitalize on both the on‑field performance and the spiritual encouragement they received. The next game in the best‑of‑three series is set for Thursday, and the team hopes to continue its winning ways while honoring the values of community, family, and faith that the papal letter highlighted.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
