CHICAGO (AP) – In a heartwarming tribute to the 20th anniversary of the Chicago White Sox’s 2005 World Series championship run, Paul Konerko, a standout player from that era, received a signed jersey from the newly elected U.S. Pope Leo XIV. The gesture was officially presented by Cardinal Blase Cupich, the archbishop of Chicago, during a pre-game ceremony held before the White Sox faced off against the Cleveland Guardians.
The special jersey displayed Konerko's last name along with "Pope Leo" above his iconic number 14, celebrating a historic moment for both sports and the Catholic Church. Paul Konerko, a six-time All-Star, was recognized not only for his contributions on the field but also for his lasting legacy within the White Sox organization.
Robert Prevost, a Chicago-born missionary, made headlines on May 8 when he became the first pope from the United States in the history of the Catholic Church, adopting the name Pope Leo XIV. As a devoted White Sox fan, he has had personal ties to the team, having attended the 2005 World Series opener against the Houston Astros. He witnessed the White Sox clinch a 5-3 victory in Game 1, an event that marked the beginning of their four-game sweep and culminated in their first championship title since 1917.
To honor this connection, the White Sox organization unveiled a graphic installation earlier in May, located near the seat where Prevost watched the game. This installation features a striking pillar artwork of Pope Leo XIV waving, along with an iconic image from the TV broadcast showing him in the stands with his friend Ed Schmit and his grandson, Eddie. This image encapsulates a significant memory for both the new Pope and White Sox fans alike.
As part of the 20th anniversary celebrations, members of the 2005 championship team gathered in Chicago to reminisce about their successful run. During this event, the White Sox also paid tribute to their late closer Bobby Jenks, who passed away last week in Portugal while undergoing treatment for stomach cancer. Additionally, the team unveiled a statue commemorating former ace Mark Buehrle, further cementing the legacy of the 2005 team.
The pre-game ceremony, the jersey presentation, and the emotional tributes showcased the continued ties between sports, community, and the Catholic Church, emphasizing how moments of athletic achievement can resonate through generations and across diverse groups. The connection between Paul Konerko and Pope Leo XIV serves as a reminder of how sports can unite people, offering a platform for shared memories and heartfelt acknowledgments during significant milestones.
For fans and followers of both the Chicago White Sox and the Catholic Church, this event marks not only a celebration of a championship but also a unique intersection of faith and sports in the fabric of American culture.
