On Tuesday, the Chicago White Sox honored Chicago native and fan Pope Leo XIV with a papal miter giveaway that grew to more than 40,000 fans for a sellout crowd.
The White Sox marketing team collaborated early on with Chicago priest Father Tom Hurley to pull off the unique promotion respectfully. “We didn’t want to do anything sacrilegious or offend people,” said Mike Downey, senior director of marketing and promotions for the White Sox. “We wanted to do something fun and tasteful that celebrates the fact that Pope Leo is a White Sox fan.”
The collaboration paid off in a memorable ballpark moment when thousands of fans joined together for an impromptu “sign of peace.” Wearing their White Sox-branded novelty miters, fans turned to neighbors in nearby seats, exchanging handshakes, high-fives, and blessings across the concourses.
Father Hurley said the pope is known for promoting peace. “In the Catholic tradition, we offer a sign of peace during Mass because we want to bring peace to the world. I think the Pope would love seeing everyone stand, find a new friend, and offer that same peace—whether they’re Catholic or not,” he said.
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