Wow Pope Leo XIV is Gifted a World Series Baseball from the Chicago White Sox Game he Once Attended!


A Historic Catch: Former White Sox Catcher A.J. Pierzynski Gifts World Series Ball to Pope Leo XIV

Pope Leo XIV’s collection of Chicago sports memorabilia just added a legendary piece of baseball history.

Former Chicago White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski recently visited the Vatican to present the Pontiff with a unique gift: the actual baseball from the final out of Game 1 of the 2005 World Series. Pierzynski shared photos of the special meeting on social media, reflecting on the surreal moment.

"7-year-old me, at my First Communion, would have never thought that I would get to meet The Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV," Pierzynski shared on Instagram. "I was honored to give him the last out ball from Game 1 of the 2005 World Series, the game he attended."

The gift holds a deeply personal connection for the Pope. Long before he was elected as the Catholic Church's first American pontiff, Pope Leo XIV was known as Father Robert "Bob" Prevost—a devoted White Sox fan growing up in Chicago. Twenty-one years ago, he was in the stands at U.S. Cellular Field (now Guaranteed Rate Field) watching that exact game.

During that October 2005 opener, the White Sox secured a 5-3 victory over the Houston Astros, sealed when closer Bobby Jenks struck out Adam Everett with Pierzynski behind the plate. Today, Guaranteed Rate Field features a graphic installation marking the exact section where the future pope sat during the game. The White Sox ultimately went on to sweep the Astros in four games to take the title.

Since ascending to the papacy, Pope Leo XIV has received several nods to his Chicago sports roots:

  • A Custom White Sox Jersey: A pinstriped No. 14 jersey signed by former first baseman Paul Konerko, featuring "Pope Leo" on the back.

  • A Piece of History: A game-used bat belonging to White Sox Hall of Famer Nellie Fox.

  • Other Chicago Teams: A custom Chicago Bears jersey gifted by Vice President JD Vance, and a No. 14 Chicago Bulls jersey presented by broadcaster Chuck Swirsky.

The connection between the team and the Vatican will culminate later this summer. The Chicago White Sox have announced plans to honor the Pope during their August 11 game against the Cincinnati Reds, where fans will receive custom, pope-themed hats designed like a miter but featuring the team's iconic sock logo.

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