Pope Leo has received a Chicago White Sox-branded mitre after the baseball team gave away thousands of the novelty hats during its 11 August game against the Cincinnati Reds. The gesture has attracted attention because it connects a major league promotional item with the Vatican, while also reflecting interest in the Pope’s American sporting background.

The White Sox won the Pope Hat Night game, and Fr T. Becket A. Franks confirmed on X that a hat had reached Vatican City. The article speculates humorously that Pope Leo is unlikely to wear it at Mass, but suggests it could become a symbolic good-luck charm if the White Sox progress towards the play-offs.