Chicago White Sox Unveils New Mural of Pope Leo XIV Within Stadium
Pope Leo XIV might be embracing a fresh chapter in the Vatican, yet his connection to Chicago is eternal—not solely because it’s his birthplace, but also due to a newly unveiled mural in the Chicago White Sox stadium.
Revealed on May 19, the mural adorns the concourse wall close to Section 140, the precise location where the Pope witnessed the White Sox compete against the Houston Astros in the 2005 World Series. Accompanying him that day was the late Ed Schmit, a dear friend and season ticket holder, along with his family, who affectionately referred to the Pope as “Father Bob.” Notably, Schmit’s grandson, Eddie Schmit IV, appeared alongside the Pope in the game’s broadcast, a screenshot of which is included in the new artwork.
“When all this unfolded, I reflected and thought, ‘Is that the Pope beside me?’ And indeed it was,” Schmit IV remarked. “The Pope is a White Sox supporter. He attended Game 1 of the World Series, and that’s now common knowledge.”
The mural was initiated by the White Sox’s internal design services team and is installed directly rather than painted on the surface. In the artwork, Pope Leo is portrayed with a broad smile, dressed in papal attire adorned with elaborate patterns. His right arm is lifted in a friendly salute, as if welcoming guests to Rate Field.
“For us to recognize the section by including the Pope in our history, and to be able to accomplish this so swiftly, placing it in the ballpark is something truly significant for us,” stated Brooks Boyer, the White Sox executive vice president, chief revenue, and marketing officer. “It enriches our 125 years of history at the park.”
On May 8, 2025, Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, made history as the first pope born in the United States. Initially, his election surprised many, not only because of his nationality but also due to the lesser frequency of his name being mentioned compared to other prominent candidates. Nonetheless, Chicago locals eagerly embraced the opportunity to celebrate.
“I never imagined I would witness a North American Pope in my lifetime, especially a White Sox supporter from the South Side of Chicago that is amongst us,” Boyer continued. “When President [Barack] Obama, a White Sox fan, was in office, it seemed it couldn’t get any more significant.”
While it might have been unexpected for others, it certainly wasn’t for the Schmit family.
“Right around the time my dad was nearing his end, Father Bob made certain to converse with him,” Heidi Skokal, Ed Schmit’s daughter, reminisced. “He told Father Bob, ‘I know you will be the next Pope. I might not be around to witness it, but I’ll certainly be looking down.’ I’m sure he is today.”
To find out more about the new mural, check the MLB website.
In 2005, Pope Leo XIV participated in a Chicago White Sox game during the World Series. Now, the baseball team is paying tribute with a new mural in their stadium.