White Sox to Mark Pope Leo XIV’s Seat at 2005 World Series Game
The Chicago White Sox are set to honor Pope Leo XIV with a special tribute that recognizes his presence during the 2005 World Series. The installation will be located in Section 140, the exact spot where he sat alongside dear friend Ed Schmidt during Game 1 of the championship series.
This commemorative installation will feature a vibrant mural of the pope, showcasing his smiling likeness, and a snapshot taken from the television broadcast that captured his memorable appearance in the stands. In a heartwarming twist, a five-year-old boy can also be seen sitting beside the then-future pope in the frame—Eddie Schmidt, who is now an adult and reflects fondly on that historic day.
“Many might remember me as the kid who sat next to him during the World Series,” Eddie shared. “That’s a game I’ll never forget. I want to clarify, though, that he is not a Cubs fan—he’s definitely a White Sox fan, and we have proof!”
Brooks Boyer, the Senior Vice President and Chief Revenue and Marketing Officer for the White Sox, emphasized that the pope has a standing invitation to return to Guaranteed Rate Field. “The pope absolutely has an open invite to come back, to come sit in Section 140, to throw out a first pitch,” he stated. “Perhaps we’ll even let him have an at-bat!”
Background of the Pope’s Chicago Ties
The excitement around Pope Leo XIV’s possible allegiance to the White Sox became a hot topic among sports fans shortly after he was elected. Discussions flared regarding whether he might support the Cubs or the White Sox, but his brother, John Prevost, quickly clarified that the pope has been a loyal White Sox supporter since his childhood days spent as an altar boy in Dolton, Illinois.
The late Ed Schmidt held season tickets for the White Sox and had a close connection with the pope through their time spent together at St. Rita of Cascia High School. Today, his son Nick continues the tradition, maintaining the same season tickets located near where the pope sat during the match.
As part of the tribute, the White Sox will also mark the exact seat Pope Leo XIV occupied during Game 1—Row 19, Seat 2. In addition to this lasting tribute at the ballpark, the Chicago Archdiocese plans to host a celebration dedicated to Pope Leo XIV on June 14 at Guaranteed Rate Field.
Tribute Installation Details
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Location of Installation | Section 140, Guaranteed Rate Field |
| Game Featured | Game 1 of the 2005 World Series |
| Tribute Date | June 14 Celebration |
| Significant Seat | Row 19, Seat 2 |
With this celebration and the artistic installation, the Chicago White Sox pay tribute to a significant figure in both baseball and religious history, highlighting the profound connections that athletics can foster and the legacy that transcends generations.
