Full Breakdown
Former White Sox Catcher A.J. Pierzynski Gives 2005 World Series Ball to Pope Leo XIV
6/26/2026, 4:59:15 AM
Historic Vatican Gift Exchange
Former Chicago White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski traveled to Rome and handed Pope Leo XIV a baseball from the final out of Game 1 of the 2005 World Series, a 5-3 White Sox victory over the Houston Astros. Pierzynski posted the hand-off on Instagram on June 25, 2026, confirming the moment, though the exact time of the exchange in the Vatican was not detailed.
Timeline
- October 2005 – Game 1 ends 5-3; Bobby Jenks strikes out Adam Everett for the last out.
- June 25 2026 – Pierzynski shares Instagram photos of the Vatican hand-off.
- August 11 2026 – Chicago White Sox schedule a tribute game.
Pope Leo XIV’s Chicago Roots and Baseball Ties
Born Robert Prevost in Chicago, Pope Leo XIV grew up a lifelong White Sox supporter and attended the 2005 World Series opener as Father Bob. As the first U.S.-born pontiff, he has received multiple Chicago sports gifts: a Konerko-signed White Sox jersey, a Nellie Fox bat, a Chicago Bears jersey from Vice President JD Vance, and a Bulls jersey from broadcaster Chuck Swirsky.
Official Statements & Planned Tribute
The White Sox organization announced a tribute for Pope Leo XIV at the August 11 home game against Cincinnati, distributing miter-shaped hats featuring the team’s sock logo. No official Vatican comment was reported.
Why It Matters
The exchange illustrates a rare intersection of global religious leadership and American sports culture, reinforcing the Pope’s personal connection to his hometown and offering the White Sox a distinctive promotional platform that blends faith and fandom.
Verbatim Quotes
"7 year old me, at my First Communion, would have never thought that I would get to meet The Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV." — A.J. Pierzynski, Former White Sox catcher
"I was honored to give him the last out ball from Game 1 of the 2005 World Series, the game he attended." — A.J. Pierzynski, Former White Sox catcher
"An incredible honor to meet @Pontifex and give him the ball that was the last out in Game 1 of the 2005 World Series." — A.J. Pierzynski, Fox Sports analyst
"The White Sox plan to pay tribute to Leo at their Aug. 11 game against Cincinnati, handing out pope-themed hats to fans." — Chicago Fox32 (article)
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The exact timing of the Vatican hand-off was not disclosed; only Pierzynski’s Instagram post confirms the exchange.
What’s Next
On August 11, 2026, the Chicago White Sox will face Cincinnati, distribute the miter-shaped hats, and acknowledge Pope Leo XIV’s lifelong fandom during the pre-game ceremony.
