Why White Sox are giving away 'Pope Hats' to honor Chicago native Pope Leo XIV

Vibes remain high for the Chicago White Sox — and they'll only get higher on Tuesday night at Rate Field.

As the AL Central leaders entering Tuesday's home matchup against the Reds, the White Sox will also be celebrating one of their most famous fans with a themed giveaway and other ballpark events.

To honor Pope Leo XIV, Chicago will be giving out limited-edition "Pope Hats" to fans.

Here's what to know about the White Sox's unique giveaway for Pope Leo XIV and more on his fandom of the baseball team.

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Why White Sox are giving out 'Pope Hats'

For Tuesday's home game against the Reds, the White Sox will be giving all fans "Pope Hats," a promotion that was first announced in April.

Initially, the hats were going to be given to only 1,500 fans. But overwhelming demand led to the White Sox expanding the promotion, ordering enough hats for a full-gate giveaway for ticket holders.

— Pope On 35th (@SoxOn35th) August 10, 2026— Pope On 35th (@SoxOn35th) August 11, 2026

White Sox 'Pope Night' details

The "Pope Hat" giveaway isn't the entirety of the White Sox's plans to celebrate their famous fan on Tuesday night. 

Per NBC Chicago, pregame festivities also include:

• Chicago White Sox Charities presenting a check to Midwest Augustinian Province accepted by Prior Provincial Father Tom McCarthy
• A ceremonial first pitch by Sister Mary Jo Sobieck of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield
• Take the Field recognition, featuring students from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Academy’s Vatican-recognized kids’ conclave, who will join the White Sox starters
• Announcement of “play ball” by former White Sox pitcher Donn “The Pope” Pall

Additionally, the White Sox will have a local artist, Nick Apple, creating a live mural painting of Pope Leo XIV at the center-field concourse at Rate Field.

Finally, the White Sox will hold a fifth-inning "Peace Be With You" led by Evergreen Park and Marist High School alum Father Tom Hurley and comedian Pat McGann.

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Is Pope Leo XIV a White Sox fan?

Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pope, is from Chicago — and he is not a Cubs fan. He's now regarded as one of the most famous White Sox fans out there.

Pope Leo XIV was previously revealed to have attended the White Sox's 2005 World Series matchup against the Astros.

Pope Leo at Game 1 of the White Sox 2005 World Series.pic.twitter.com/664uDubHu5

— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) May 10, 2025— Pope On 35th (@SoxOn35th) June 25, 2026