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White Sox Celebrate 2005 Glory as Pope Leo XIV Honors Paul Konerko
Before Saturday’s game at Guaranteed Rate Field, former White Sox star Paul Konerko was given a unique gift to mark two decades since the team’s unforgettable 2005 World Series run — a signed jersey from Pope Leo XIV.
Cardinal Blase Cupich, the Archbishop of Chicago, presented the jersey during a pre-game event celebrating the championship anniversary. Displaying Konerko’s name, “Pope Leo,” and the number 14, the jersey served as a heartfelt acknowledgment of their shared legacy.
Pope Leo XIV, originally Robert Francis Prevost, was born in Chicago and has long supported the White Sox. His deep ties to the city and the team were reflected in the ceremony. In fact, back in 2005, he attended the opening game of the World Series against Houston at the White Sox home stadium. Sitting in Section 140, he witnessed Chicago claim a crucial win that would lead to a sweep and their first title in nearly 90 years.
Prevost, who took on the name Leo XIV after his papal election on May 8, became the first U.S.-born leader of the Catholic Church in history. His connection to that 2005 game was shared by his friend Ed Schmit, who brought him to the stadium. The seat he occupied that night is still held by Schmit’s son Nick, preserving a personal link to that moment.
A statue of Mark Buehrle was also unveiled on the right field concourse, making him the third player from that roster to receive a permanent tribute at the ballpark. Konerko and Frank Thomas were previously honored with statues in 2014 and 2011, respectively.
Konerko, who continues to be active in White Sox community events, shared how meaningful the surprise jersey was, especially coming from someone like Pope Leo XIV, who shares the same number and a lifelong bond with the team.
The intersection of faith, history, and sports made the event a reminder of how baseball can bridge unexpected worlds from the dugout to the Vatican, united by a shared passion for the game.
