Chicago White Sox’s unusual papal-inspired New Year’s post!

In a joyful post wrapping up the year, the Chicago White Sox shared a heartfelt and humorous message: “2025 blessed us with Pope Leo XIV.”

The short video celebrates some of the most charming and unexpected moments from the past year — including the now-iconic scene of Pope Leo donning a White Sox baseball cap in place of his usual papal zucchetto while rolling through a cheering crowd in the popemobile. His warm smile and easy grace made it clear: He’s a natural in any cap.

The montage also features the moment the Pope was presented with a baseball bat once owned by the legendary Nellie Fox during a flight — a gift that stirred both history and heart.

And to top it all off, an interview with a man who fondly recalls sitting next to a young Pope Leo at Game 1 of the World Series. With a laugh, he confirms: “He’s definitely not a Cubs fan.”

The post struck a chord because it was so unexpected — and yet so fitting. Although the real win for the White Sox was when one person commented on Facebook: “Does this mean all Catholics have to be White Sox fans?” (Considering the number of Catholics in the world, they might have seriously upped their fan base since the election of Pope Leo!)

But on a more serious note, the post reminds us how Pope Leo has become known for his gentle humor, his openness to culture, and his genuine affection for the people he meets, marked by listening.

Whether greeting pilgrims or accepting a bat mid-flight, his presence carries warmth, humanity, and a touch of surprise.

It’s also a reminder that holiness doesn’t have to look distant or stiff. It can show up in a baseball cap, in shared laughter, or even in a dugout memory. The Church has always affirmed that joy and play are part of God’s good creation — and Pope Leo’s spontaneous moments remind us to delight in them.

So as we step into the new year, maybe we can take a cue from the White Sox — and from the Pope. Celebrate the moments that surprise you. Receive every gesture of kindness with gratitude. And don’t be afraid to wear the cap (even if it’s not your usual style).

After all, if a pope can be moved by a ballgame, maybe grace can meet us anywhere — even in the bleachers.

And if you’re wondering whether all this papal goodwill has magically transformed the White Sox into instant champions, well… not quite. The team is still rebuilding, still growing, still learning to hope again — just like so many of us.

But maybe that’s part of the beauty of this unlikely friendship between baseball and the papacy. Blessings don’t always show up in trophies; sometimes they come as joy, encouragement, and the reminder that even in seasons of struggle, community, humor, and faith can bring a lift. And if the White Sox keep smiling like Pope Leo does, who knows what the future may hold?