If Pope Leo XIV so chooses, he can add some South Side flair to his papal vestments the next time he makes an official appearance.
On Thursday, the Chicago White Sox announced that a team-themed papal miter had been given to the pope by South Side native Father Tom McCarthy, who presented it to the pontiff at the Vatican. The White Sox posted a picture of the two posing with the hat.
The White Sox Pope Hat has officially landed at the Vatican 🤝 pic.twitter.com/vcWoF9lzg9
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) August 27, 2026
On Aug. 11, fans who attended the team's game against the Cincinnati Reds could receive a White Sox-themed papal miter in honor of Leo. The pope, born in Chicago, is a lifelong White Sox fan, even attending the 2005 World Series, where the South Side club swept the Houston Astros.
The White Sox lead the AL Central by 2½ games over the Cleveland Guardians -- and now might have a little extra assistance on their side.
