Pope Leo XIV depicted in fresh mural gracing Chicago's White Sox ballpark
With the smoke rising above the Sistine Chapel on May 8, the election of Pope Leo XIV, the first United States-born pope, was announced to the world. However, Chicagoans were more interested in confirming his baseball allegiance. Initial rumors hinted at a possible affinity for the Cubs, but photographic evidence from the 2005 World Series debunked that notion.
In Game 1 of the series between the Chicago White Sox and the Houston Astros, a screenshot captured the pope, then known as Father Bob, seated beside his lifelong friend Ed Schmit, a dedicated Sox fan, according to the Chicago Tribune. This image surfaced shortly after the pope's election, dispelling the speculation about his support for the Cubs.
Located near Section 140 at Guaranteed Rate Field, a new mural now immortalizes this incident and pays tribute to the late Ed Schmit, who passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2020. The artwork features Pope Leo XIV in his regalia, hand raised in what appears to be either prayer, blessing, or divine fandom. Above him, the original screenshot from the 2005 Fox broadcast is depicted.
Ed Schmit, a season-ticket holder, expressed his confidence in Father Bob becoming a religious leader before his passing. His daughter, Heidi, was among the family members present at the mural unveiling, many of whom still hold the season tickets. "We have proof," said Ed Schmit IV, indicating the pope's loyalty to the Chicago White Sox. "He was at Game 1 of the World Series, and everyone knows now."
The White Sox organization has welcomed their hometown Supreme Pontiff with open arms, extending an invitation for him to return to the ballpark without prior notice. The team's chief marketing officer, Brooks Boyer, mentioned the possibility of Pope Leo XIV throwing a first pitch or even having a turn at bat.
The Chicago White Sox's backing of Pope Leo XIV is evident, with the organization sending him a personalized jersey and cap, in addition to the dedication of a mural. The beloved pope, a dedicated Chicagoan, has made it clear that his allegiance lies with the South Side's White Sox, ending years of speculation about his MLB preferences.
- The mural near Section 140 at Guaranteed Rate Field not only immortalizes an incident but also pays tribute to Ed Schmit, who was a dedicated fan of the Chicago White Sox.
- The new artwork features Pope Leo XIV, depicted in his regalia with his hand raised, possibly in prayer, blessing, or showing divine fandom for the White Sox.
- During the 2005 World Series, a screenshot captured Pope Leo XIV, then known as Father Bob, seated beside his lifelong friend Ed Schmit, a season-ticket holder, confirming his support for the Chicago White Sox.
- The White Sox organization, in showing their support for Pope Leo XIV, has sent him a personalized jersey and cap, extended an invitation for him to return to the ballpark without prior notice, and even mentioned the possibility of him throwing a first pitch or having a turn at bat.
