"To Take a Commemorative Photo with a White Sox Fan"
"Uniforms and Caps Bearing the Pope's Name Sent to the Vatican"
The new Pope Leo XIV has been seen wearing a White Sox cap at an official event.
According to CNN on June 12 (local time), Leo XIV appeared at the regular weekly general audience held at St. Peter's Square in the Vatican, taking off his priest's hat and putting on a White Sox cap. He wore the cap to take a commemorative photo with a man who had come to meet the Pope while wearing a White Sox cap.
Pope Leo XIV appeared wearing a White Sox cap at St. Peter's Basilica. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News.
CNN reported that the White Sox baseball cap created a unique contrast with the white papal robes, noting that the Pope "broke the traditional dress code for papal attire."
Leo XIV's affection for baseball was evident from the time he was elected. His brother revealed that Leo XIV is a fan of the White Sox and even released a video showing the Pope attending the 2005 World Series.
According to CNN, Leo XIV's love for the White Sox has attracted widespread attention. AI-generated images of the Pope holding items beloved by Chicagoans, such as liquor bottles or hot dogs, have gone viral. Students at Villanova University, Leo XIV's alma mater, also created and shared AI images of the Pope wearing their school uniform.
Fans eventually spotted the Pope attending Game 1 of the 2005 World Series, the last time the White Sox won the championship, on the broadcast. A video of the Pope, wearing a navy White Sox jacket and watching the game with a serious expression, spread on social media. The White Sox installed a commemorative sculpture at the seat in the stands where the Pope had sat.
The White Sox, who have a smaller fan base compared to the Cubs, are reportedly enjoying the "Pope effect." Last month, AFP reported, "The White Sox have made the Pope an icon of the club," adding that uniforms and caps bearing the Pope's name were even sent to the Vatican. At shops near the White Sox's home stadium, Rate Field, T-shirts featuring the Pope swinging a bat have been selling rapidly.
The Pope's fashion has always attracted attention. Previously, Benedict XVI wore custom-made red designer shoes and was selected as the "Best-Dressed Man of the Year" in the accessories category by fashion magazine Esquire in 2007. Pope Francis I moved away from the ornate and vintage accessories favored by Benedict XVI, opting for simple vestments and practical black shoes. He also chose a white outer garment instead of the fur-trimmed velvet cape traditionally worn by popes since the Middle Ages.
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