HOUSTON — The White Sox opened their American League Wild Card Series against the Astros with a reminder from much farther away than either clubhouse: Pope Leo XIV had sent his regards from the Vatican.
A letter dated Sept. 9 reached White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf on Tuesday, hours before the series opener in Houston. The message thanked the club for its Aug. 11 celebration at Rate Field, when a sellout crowd received Pope Hats and the organization sent one of the caps to the Pope.
The Vatican’s note praised the way sports can help build friendship and solidarity, while pointing toward the possibility of people living and working together in peace. Pope Leo XIV concluded by offering abundant blessings to Reinsdorf and his family.
The connection is more than ceremonial for the White Sox. Before becoming Pope Leo XIV, Robert Prevost attended both World Series games played at Rate Field in 2005, when Chicago completed its four-game sweep of Houston. Two decades later, the teams are again sharing an October stage, this time in the American League Wild Card round.
The White Sox also sent postseason-clinching shirts to Pope Leo and former President Barack Obama after securing their playoff berth Thursday in Kansas City. Both have long been identified with the White Sox, and the club’s October run has found room for each of them in its celebration.
Game 2 of the American League Wild Card Series is scheduled for Wednesday at 5 p.m. ET, or 4 p.m. local time, with Peacock and NBCSN carrying the game.
