Smillie had the design and started painting the pope before Pope Leo XIV – a lifelong White Sox fan – donned a White Sox cap earlier this week.

There's a mural of Pope Leo XIV at the White Sox's park, near where he sat for Game 1 of the 2005 World Series. Yeah, the Chicago native once known as Father Bob is a fan.

The noted Chicago White Sox fan will deliver a pre-recorded video message to attendees and viewers. Friends of the pope are also expected to speak.

Pope Leo XIV was seen wearing a Chicago White Sox hat and now there is a Chicago mass on June 14. Is he coming to the US? What to know.

White Sox manager Will Venable returns to face his previous team on Friday, while the Cubs have a 10-day homestand that kicks off Thursday.

During his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square on June 11, noted White Sox fan Pope Leo XIV donned a Chicago cap to take a picture with a newly married couple, the groom also sporting a White Sox hat.

After ranking last as a team in walks during the 2024 season, the White Sox newfound patience has them near the top of that category in recent weeks.

Chicago White Sox starter Shane Smith allowed one run in six innings during Tuesday’s 4-2 win against the Houston Astros. The rookie lowered his ERA to 2.37.