If you saw a photo of the Pope wearing a Chicago White Sox hat and thought, "That has to be AI," you aren't alone. Honestly, after the whole Balenciaga puffer jacket hoax of 2023, we've all become a little cynical. But this time? It’s 100% real. The image of Pope Leo XIV rocking the iconic black and white "Sox" logo while standing in St. Peter’s Square wasn't the work of a Midjourney prompt. It was a genuine, South Side Chicago moment.
The Day the Pope White Sox Hat Went Viral
On June 11, 2025, during a standard Wednesday general audience, the world got a glimpse of something never seen in nearly 2,000 years of Church history. Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, was meeting with newlywed couples—a tradition known as sposi novelli. Among the couples were Gary and Kelly DeStefano, a pair of newlyweds from Haverhill, Massachusetts.
They didn't just bring their marriage certificates for a blessing. They brought a gift from the Chicago native’s home turf.
Basically, they handed the Pope a black '47 brand White Sox hat. Instead of just handing it to an aide or giving a polite nod, the Pope took off his white zucchetto, put on the baseball cap, and flashed a massive grin for the cameras. The photos, captured by Getty photographer Filippo Monteforte, immediately blew up. It wasn't just a quirky fashion choice; it was a cultural collision.
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Is the Pope Actually a Sox Fan?
You've probably heard the rumors that he was secretly a Cubs fan. Early on, right after his election in May 2025, ABC News and a few other outlets claimed he grew up rooting for the North Siders. The Cubs even jumped the gun and put a congratulatory message on the Wrigley Field marquee.
That didn't last long.
The Pope’s brother, John Prevost, went on WGN-TV to set the record straight. "He was never, ever a Cubs fan," John said. "I don't know where that came from. He was always a Sox fan." Apparently, their mother was the lone Cubs holdout in the family, but the Pope stayed loyal to the South Side.
The 2005 World Series Proof
If you need more evidence, look at the tape. After he became Pope, internet sleuths and the Chicago Sun-Times dug up footage from Game 1 of the 2005 World Series. There he was—then just a priest—sitting in the stands at U.S. Cellular Field (now Guaranteed Rate Field). He was caught on the FOX broadcast just as Bobby Jenks was closing out a 5-3 win over the Astros.
The White Sox have since installed a permanent tribute at the stadium in Section 145, Row 14, Seat 10—the exact spot where the future Pope watched his team win it all.
Why a Baseball Cap Matters at the Vatican
It’s easy to dismiss this as a "cool Pope" PR stunt, but there’s a lot more nuance here. For centuries, the Papacy was defined by European—mostly Italian—formality. Leo XIV is the first American Pope. By putting on that pope white sox hat, he wasn't just supporting a team; he was signaling a shift in the Church's identity.
- Accessibility: It humanizes a figure that is often seen as untouchable.
- Cultural Heritage: It honors his roots in Dolton and the South Side.
- Breaking Tradition: It follows the path of Pope Francis, who preferred a Fiat over a limousine, but takes it a step further into the realm of modern "drip."
The White Sox organization, despite their recent struggles on the field (including that record-breaking 121-loss season in 2024), has leaned into this hard. They even sent a custom pinstripe jersey with his name on it to Rome.
Dealing with the AI Skepticism
Look, we live in a world where you can make the Pope do a kickflip with a few clicks. When the pope white sox hat photos first hit Reddit and X (formerly Twitter), the "fake" labels were everywhere. People pointed to the lighting, the way the brim sat over his glasses, and the sheer absurdity of the situation.
But major news agencies like CNN, the Associated Press, and FOX Sports confirmed the event within hours. Unlike the AI-generated "puffer jacket" images, these photos have metadata, multiple angles from different journalists, and eyewitness accounts from the couples present. It was a rare moment where reality was actually weirder than the memes.
What This Means for the "Sox" Brand
The White Sox hat has always been more than just sports gear. Ever since Eazy-E and N.W.A. started wearing them in the late 80s and early 90s, the logo has been a global fashion staple. It’s gritty. It’s "South Side." It’s an aesthetic.
When the Pope puts it on, that brand reaches a whole new demographic. You now have grandmothers in Poland and families in the Philippines seeing that "Sox" logo not as a symbol of a struggling MLB team, but as a symbol of the Holy Father's hometown pride.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Collectors
If you're looking to grab a piece of this weird crossover history, here is what you should know:
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- The Specific Model: The Pope was wearing a '47 Clean Up cap in black. It's the "dad hat" style—relaxed fit with an adjustable strap. If you want the exact look, avoid the flat-brim New Era 59FIFTYs.
- Stadium Tributes: If you're visiting Chicago, you can actually visit the "Papal Seat" at Guaranteed Rate Field. The team has turned it into a mini-shrine with a graphic installation.
- Collectibility: While the hat itself is a mass-produced item, the specific photos from that June audience have become iconic. Some fans have even started making custom "Popes of the South Side" shirts, though these aren't official team merch.
Ultimately, the pope white sox hat story is a reminder that even the most ancient institutions can have a sense of humor. It’s about a kid from Chicago who never forgot where he came from, even after moving into the Apostolic Palace. Whether the Sox are winning or losing 100 games, they’ve got at least one very influential fan in their corner.
To see the tribute for yourself, head to Section 145 at the ballpark the next time you're on 35th and Shields. You can't miss it—it's the only seat in the stadium that feels like it’s been touched by a bit of divine fandom.