The White Sox have received a letter from His Holiness Leo XIV

[u/Scurezza]

[u/trendingtattler]

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[u/Old_General_6741]

The White Sox are now officially the Baseball team of the Catholic Church. They have been blessed by the Pope.

[u/Own_Action_7839 → u/Old_General_6741]

This Padre fan is looking forward to a matchup between the Pope’s team and the Friars

[u/doyouevenIift → u/Own_Action_7839]

Ahem

[u/Own_Action_7839 → u/doyouevenIift]

So it’s been said. So May it be :)

[u/dangdingus10 → u/Own_Action_7839]

peace be with you

[u/A-Second-Opinion → u/doyouevenIift]

Amen

[u/ScalabrineIsGod → u/Old_General_6741]

In partial seriousness I like to think this permanently ends any talks about relocation outside Chicago. It’s been thrown around for decades at this point but shit if it’s done now that blessing is gone. God wills them to be on the south side. Terrible look to go against that.

[u/darthstupidious → u/ScalabrineIsGod]

Imagine getting excommunicated because you tried to relocate the White Sox to Nashville

[u/Heelincal → u/darthstupidious]

The entire White Sox fanbase would convert.

[u/oneeighthirish → u/Heelincal]

Yeah, to Milwaukee fans

[u/BoNnnnfhir → u/oneeighthirish]

Inshallah

[u/JohnMadden42069 → u/ScalabrineIsGod]

The blessing was for Jerry and his loved ones. His loved ones very obviously do not include the White Sox.

[u/haney1981 → u/JohnMadden42069]

Jerry Reinsdorf better love all the White Sox players and all the Bulls too.

[u/SirRedRising → u/haney1981]

Well, he famously loves the White Sox a hell of a lot more than the Bulls. He said he'd have traded all the Bulls titles for a single World Series victory before. The Bulls just happen to print money for him because they're still coasting off the Jordan Years fumes.

[u/TheIndependen → u/Old_General_6741]

And shepherds we shall be, for Thee, my Lord, for Thee

[u/Mackie_Messy → u/Old_General_6741]

(sad Padre, Angel, and Cardinal noises)

[u/Protectorsoftman → u/Mackie_Messy]

Cardinals are named for the bird, it'd be a bit of a stretch to include them.

[u/kelpklepto → u/Protectorsoftman]

Technically the birds were named after the clergy, so by the transitive property...

[u/M4K4T4K → u/kelpklepto]

It's like how goldfish snacks are actually fish and therefore healthy.

[u/MoonlightOnSunflower → u/M4K4T4K]

If capybaras can be fish, I don’t see why goldfish can’t be

[u/isummonyouhere → u/kelpklepto]

Cubs are a heresy confirmed

[u/mochabear1231 → u/Old_General_6741]

They're never letting the US have a pope again after this haha

[u/570rmy → u/mochabear1231]

This is mild compared to what past popes have done, plus also not without precedent if including the Patriarch of Constantinople who at the time was equal to western Patriarch which evolved into the modern Papacy, the Papacy is not something I am well versed in. But Late Roman history I got you. The office of the Patriarchate of Constantinople was highly political and politics were intertwined with the major sport of the centuries, chariot racing in the hippodrome. Two factions were the most powerful, the Blue and the Greens. Emperors killed and were killed with their support, same with the Patriarchs who were often frenemies of the Emperor/Basileus vying for control over the spiritual realm which overlaps with the physical.

I went on a tangent. Whoops.

[u/cahir11 → u/Old_General_6741]

Also clear evidence that the Astros are on the side of Satan, which I always knew but could never prove.

[u/canuck_in_wa → u/Old_General_6741]

If they win the WS that will be his first miracle

[u/DepressingFries]

Fuck

[u/Scurezza → u/DepressingFries]

https://giphy.com/gifs/m2lzGNOPx2UgE74kB2

[u/unfortunatebastard → u/Scurezza]

Peace be with you

[u/Scurezza → u/unfortunatebastard]

And with your spirit

[u/ManWithASquareHead → u/Scurezza]

Lift up your bats

[u/musicjamz930 → u/ManWithASquareHead]

We lift them up to the high fastball

[u/fourrightangles → u/musicjamz930]

Let us give thanks unto the turnaround.

[u/steve_dallasesq → u/fourrightangles]

It is right to give it thanks and praise

[u/Ancient-Biscotti-216 → u/steve_dallasesq]

I love Catholicism

[u/SofieTerleska → u/musicjamz930]

We are not worthy that the Pope should enter under our roof

[u/bulldg4life → u/Scurezza]

No. AND ALSO WITH YOU dagnabbit

I’m not even catholic anymore but I refuse to change.

[u/Scurezza → u/bulldg4life]

https://giphy.com/gifs/f1U4hbZy98bLJDjDj4
Latin Mass goers unaffected

[u/Bflatsharpeleven → u/Scurezza]

Dominus vobiscum bitches

[u/JosephFinn → u/bulldg4life]

DAMN STRAIGHT.

[u/shoeyricciardo → u/bulldg4life]

Same lol, I only go to funerals but I refuse to change my brainwashing

[u/fourrightangles → u/shoeyricciardo]

I always love at funerals and weddings when you can tell which of us stopped going a long time ago from those who still go based on who complies with updates like this. I haven’t been a practicing Catholic since I was a kid and also refuse to modify my responses. That said, the kid in me cannot believe we have been blessed by the pope, and can’t help but love it. I wish my grandfather could have lived to see this!

[u/shoeyricciardo → u/fourrightangles]

It's very cool! I am a fan of Pope Leo as a person.

Cheering for you guys!!! Love the bromance between Vargas and Murakami

[u/fourrightangles → u/shoeyricciardo]

Yay! I love all the fans from around baseball cheering for the Sox so much. This is the pope’s “joy of walking together” and “bonds of friendship” right?! Everybody get in here! This is the team of love.
https://giphy.com/gifs/DrZmUnDbQAMgqIrBj7

[u/JosephFinn → u/unfortunatebastard]

And also with you.

[u/Plastic_Bison → u/JosephFinn]

This is the way.

[u/TOONUSA → u/Scurezza]

[u/radicalhistoryguy → u/TOONUSA]

Incredible.

[u/RandomPenquin1337 → u/TOONUSA]

Ngl this is fuckin good

[u/TheVich → u/TOONUSA]

Fuck yeah Bill the Butcher. Such a charasmatic, racist piece of shit.

[u/AerieElectrical3546 → u/Scurezza]

THE ALMIGHTY’S ABUNDANT BLESSINGS

[u/DarkFalcon49 → u/DepressingFries]

I don’t know if we can overcome god

[u/TinKnight1 → u/DarkFalcon49]

But have you seen Yordan play?

[u/DarkFalcon49 → u/TinKnight1]

True. But nothing else is good for us. They have God and Friendship, we have Yordan and Cold Bats

[u/MastodonSwimming2681 → u/DarkFalcon49]

If anything can, it's the Devil magic in Houston

[u/theREALbombedrumbum → u/DarkFalcon49]

The Padres are the only hope, as the inherently Catholic team.

Ride with us, and we shall avenge ye.

[u/MyDearBrotherNumpsay → u/DepressingFries]

That’s got to be the funniest use of the single word “fuck” I’ve ever read.

[u/Icy_Ad4208 → u/MyDearBrotherNumpsay]

Also made me laugh so much

[u/sequelseize → u/MyDearBrotherNumpsay]

This is corruption! It's an unfair advantage for the White Sox!!!!111

[u/VQ_Dirty → u/DepressingFries]

It was good knowing you guys

[u/lynjpin → u/VQ_Dirty]

was it tho

[u/gildedtreehouse → u/DepressingFries]

Perhaps the Astros got a telegram from Satan?

[u/Routine_Ad_9794 → u/DepressingFries]

If the Astros still haven't accepted their role as villains what are we even doing here? Embrace the power of the dark side.

[u/EMP_Pusheen → u/Routine_Ad_9794]

This is funny because I always thought about how the Yankees never were the Empire when they did the Star Wars theme nights. It would have been so much more fun.

[u/Loose-Organization82 → u/DepressingFries]

In the name of the father, the son, and the Holy Spirit

[u/mysaturn5 → u/DepressingFries]

Devil magic is afoot.

[u/DrFoxWolf → u/DepressingFries]

Honestly if we gotta lose to anyone, let it be the White Sox

[u/Ok_Grapefruit9531 → u/DrFoxWolf]

What is this flair combo lmfao

[u/pyordie → u/DepressingFries]

“PS: fuck the Astros”

[u/Free_Possession_4482 → u/DepressingFries]

You fell for one of the classic blunders! Never go in against the Vatican when baseball is on the line!

[u/RoadSodaDodgeRam]

What does the rule book say about a god buff? We’re screwed man.

[u/Cultris734 → u/RoadSodaDodgeRam]

You need to find another religion to support you guys.

[u/Gabelbram → u/Cultris734]

Writing to tom cruise for the power of scientology as we speak

[u/RoadSodaDodgeRam → u/Gabelbram]

I ordered a couple Etsy witches requests too to be safe.

[u/Audacity_OR → u/RoadSodaDodgeRam]

I’d be careful with the Etsy witches. Turns out force your next season to be terrible as payment and they can’t even guarantee a title.

[u/LuckyBobHoboJoe → u/Cultris734]

https://giphy.com/gifs/3e7Sf15soiVkk

[u/GluedGlue → u/Cultris734]

"BAW GAWD, THAT'S MARTIN LUTHER'S MUSIC!"

[u/fidgetee → u/Cultris734]

Jobu is always available

[u/atowelguy → u/RoadSodaDodgeRam]

there's no rule that says the pope can't bless a team...

[u/RoadSodaDodgeRam → u/atowelguy]

https://giphy.com/gifs/8dYmJ6Buo3lYY
Espada furiously checking in the dugout.

[u/Icy_Study4490 → u/RoadSodaDodgeRam]

It’s all just a ruse. Remember Angels in the outfield? This isn’t just a random regular season game, they can’t intervene.

[u/Ayjel89 → u/Icy_Study4490]

Angels in the Outfield (1994) has the 150-plus pitch complete game epic by on-his-deathbed Mel Clark, though

[u/Lopkop → u/RoadSodaDodgeRam]

White Sox players need to be tested for performance enhancing Jesus

[u/mysterysackerfice → u/RoadSodaDodgeRam]

Leo 3:16 says the White Sox just whipped your ass

[u/ChipChimney → u/mysterysackerfice]

Inshallah

[u/HGpennypacker → u/RoadSodaDodgeRam]

Nothing in the rule book says that the Son of God can't play baseball!

[u/vistaculo → u/HGpennypacker]

You think Jesus can’t hit a curveball?

[u/weaksaucedude → u/HGpennypacker]

Ah, Jesús. I like him very much, but he no help with curveball.

[u/ButterscotchFiend → u/RoadSodaDodgeRam]

just bang on a trash can

[u/Dan-of-Steel]

White Sox rolling into the playoffs strapped up with the Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch.

[u/il_postino → u/Dan-of-Steel]

And The Pope did grin. And the people did feast upon the lambs, and sloths, and carp, and anchovies, and orangutans, and breakfast cereals, and fruit bats, and large...

[u/DeadlyWalrusArt → u/il_postino]

Skip a bit, Brother.

[u/Embarrassed_Egg769 → u/Dan-of-Steel]

It was funny when the Astros had the rally nun's, but now the White Sox have a direct line to the big guy upstairs...oof.

[u/QueezyF → u/Embarrassed_Egg769]

Pope also blessed the Knicks. Fellas, we might all be screwed.

[u/jedstrailerpark]

They have the power of god and anime on their side. Houston's fucked.

[u/Kvetch__22 → u/jedstrailerpark]

https://giphy.com/gifs/Sw79eJg29HByy4wGC4

[u/jedstrailerpark → u/Kvetch__22]

I love how this clip of Pope Leo in 1977 has been unearthed

[u/skyulip]

https://giphy.com/gifs/bwHmPK7IEJC4o

[u/doggoploggo]

I think this is proof God is real if we win it all.

[u/Nico777 → u/doggoploggo]

I wanna see a lot of White Sox hats in Rome if you win, a mass pilgrimage is the least you could do.

[u/Bootleschloogen → u/doggoploggo]

Everyone has their one revelation moment

[u/GCDFVU → u/doggoploggo]

Lotta people bout to head on down to the Triple Rock

https://giphy.com/gifs/hEOWzixSIhcti

[u/meeyeam → u/doggoploggo]

Or that Damn Yankees will need to carry the tagline "Based on a True Story" if you lose to the Yankees.

[u/jedstrailerpark → u/doggoploggo]

I'll be at church for the first time in like 15 years if the Sox win it all lol

[u/SarahJFroxy → u/doggoploggo]

it might scare my mom into practicing again

[u/megacia]

I believe the documentary, Angels in the Outfield, implied that the divine couldn’t influence the playoffs?

[u/AdoringCHIN → u/megacia]

Wouldn't that only apply to angels? God should be able to break that rule

[u/wolfman2scary → u/AdoringCHIN]

Last time an angel broke the rules it ended poorly

[u/BaltimoreProud → u/wolfman2scary]

What are the odds it goes bad TWICE?

[u/405freeway → u/megacia]

The angels couldn't help in "championship games," but the documentary was filmed before the implementation of the Division Series in 1994.

[u/EnoughPlatform7020]

Blessed by the pope!!!

[u/Caius01 → u/EnoughPlatform7020]

Got the Nova Knicks a title, if the White Sox win the chip I might have to start going to church lol

[u/Sol539 → u/Caius01]

If the White Sox win the World Series, I’ll convert to Catholicism and be at mass every Sunday

[u/vistaculo → u/Sol539]

!remind me one month

[u/BowlingforDrip → u/EnoughPlatform7020]

Confirmed 2026 White Sox world series champions

[u/cmgriffith_]

“With these sentiments, I willingly invoke the Almighty’s abundant blessings upon you and your loved ones” - Pope Leo XIV

Blessed be and Go White Sox

[u/dskauf → u/cmgriffith_]

https://giphy.com/gifs/Pf0d7Y5oAKZgs

[u/Tmotty]

Ok but if the white Sox make it to the World Series he’s definitely coming right?

[u/Adventurous_Duck_297 → u/Tmotty]

The championship parade will be led by the pope-mobile

[u/elconquistador1985 → u/Tmotty]

He watched them play in the World Series last time they were there.

[u/Money-Giraffe2521 → u/elconquistador1985]

He wasn’t quite as busy back then.

[u/sixtyninetacks → u/elconquistador1985]

Course he was just an ordinary priest back then

[u/rcmjr → u/Tmotty]

Shucks let him throw the first pitch

[u/xho- → u/rcmjr]

80mph strike down the middle

[u/BriSy33]

I like to think there's a second page declaring a crusade on Wrigley field

[u/Money-Giraffe2521 → u/BriSy33]

We shall cleanse the North Side with holy fire.

[u/fenderdean13 → u/Money-Giraffe2521]

Loot all the Nashville 2.0 bars, and let all the dives move back in the aftermath

[u/UneducatedReviews1]

LEAGUE FUCKED, WE LITERALLY HAVE GOD ON OUR SIDE.

[u/MediocreHomework7092 → u/UneducatedReviews1]

Can he do 9 shut out innings though?

[u/WhyNotOrioles → u/MediocreHomework7092]

Are you saying Jesus Christ can't throw a curveball?

[u/BKoala59 → u/WhyNotOrioles]

Of course he couldn’t. Not many people threw curves 2000 years ago. It was seen more as a gimmick pitch for barnstormers

[u/UneducatedReviews1 → u/MediocreHomework7092]

Every CGSO was Jesus’ work

[u/Objective-Beyond-219]

The Astros should get a letter from Satan, "I wish your opponents nothing but fire and brimstone. Signed, The King of the Netherworld"

[u/VQ_Dirty → u/Objective-Beyond-219]

I think he's already under contract with Tampa

[u/CurryGuy123 → u/Objective-Beyond-219]

Joel Osteen in shambles

[u/LastCall_at_LastDive → u/Objective-Beyond-219]

And John Fisher. And the Dodgers.

[u/jaron_b]

If they win the world series how many Sox fans are converting?

[u/Money-Giraffe2521 → u/jaron_b]

Catholics are already the single largest religious denomination in Chicago.

[u/fenderdean13 → u/Money-Giraffe2521]

Especially on the south side. South side Irish is a thing for a reason

[u/drunkenviking → u/jaron_b]

I'm already a lapsed, borderline atheist Catholic, but if the Sox win it all this year I'm gonna start going to Mass again, because apparently God is real and the Pope talks to him. 

[u/vsladko → u/drunkenviking]

“God I’ve seen what you’ve done for the White Sox…” 

[u/MaximusMansteel → u/jaron_b]

I don't know, but I do know I would be joining the church of Satan immediately.

[u/Viktor_Laszlo → u/MaximusMansteel]

Yes but the summer home games in Houston are no joke.

[u/GlitteringAd1736]

For those with magnification needs on mobile or who simply want not to tilt your phone slightly:

“To Mr Jerry Reinsdorf
Chairman of the Chicago White Sox

I was pleased to receive the kind letter that you sent following the game that took place at Rate Field on August 11, 2026. I am most grateful for this thoughtful gesture.

As I have noted, "sport can truly become a school of life, where all can learn that abundance does not come from victory at any cost, but from sharing, from respecting others and from the joy of walking together" (Letter Life in Abundance, 6 February 2026). In this spirit, it is my hope that the White Sox will continue to foster bonds of friendship and solidarity among people, and thus bear hopeful witness to the possibility of living and working together in peace.

With these sentiments, I willingly invoke the Almighty's abundant blessings upon you and your loved ones.

From the Vatican, 9 September 2026
Leo PP. XIV”

[u/MattAU05]

This Pope is a pretty cool Pope.

[u/Early_Macaroon_2407]

This has got to count as some sort of juicing.

[u/dangerzonepatrol101]

Okay then

[u/BigBangBoomerang]

Rules against Divine Intervention better be in the next CBA.

[u/triphawk07]

Not fair, the Pope is sending Jesus to help the White Sox.

[u/joka2696 → u/triphawk07]

No, Jesus pitches for the Phillies.

[u/SuperBearJew]

If the White Sox win the WS, I'm gonna convert, that's irrefutable evidence of God

[u/cabinetbanana → u/SuperBearJew]

To Catholicism or White Sox fandom?

[u/SuperBearJew → u/cabinetbanana]

Yeah

[u/MC_Gengar]

Great, now they have to address whether having God on your side is an unfair advantage in the new CBA. Thanks pope, you cheeky bugger

[u/LebrontosaurausRex]

[u/BasedArzy]

proof that God hates the Astros too.

[u/Polish_Bear]

In more ways than one - what a crazy timeline we're in.

[u/DA_87]

His Holiness to the Astros: get fucked

[u/theexitisontheleft → u/DA_87]

But politely! 😭

[u/CrystalizedinCali]

I think we’re all rooting for the Sox this series. It’s like those memes where there’s an orange dot in HTown and the rest of the map including Vatican City is black for the White Sox.

[u/multibacon]

Spike Lee is furiously tweeting the Dalai Lama's home address.

[u/Trickstress4588]

That is very much a work around to bless the White Sox without blatantly saying Go Sox. Love it

[u/LycheeWise2288]

Man I wish I would have gone into religion or academia where I can just write notes like this and call it a day. Living the dream.

[u/CaptainSlow31]

Pope backed Chicago White Sox vs. predominantly German Lutheran population Milwaukee World Series. It’s the Reformation 2.0!

[u/02K30C1]

https://giphy.com/gifs/lL8XYhxpG5fWqgKsYI

[u/Less_Likely]

Now I know how Catholic Notre Dame haters feel.

[u/isummonyouhere]

this date in history: Catholic bishops convened the Council of Comiskey, issuing a formal decree that God loves the White Sox and has absolved Shoeless Joe of his sins.

Sept. 29, anno domini MMXXVI

[u/Dry_Finding_1379]

DIVINE INTERVENTION CONFIRMED

[u/Viva_La_Revolucion66]

See you next year, Astros.

[u/Fuzzy_Secretary_8672]

We all know Jesus is their closer because He saves

[u/dumptruckulent]

It’s surreal to think that it’s midnight in Rome right now and there’s a good chance the pope is staying up to watch an AL wildcard game

[u/fourrightangles]

✌️ Peace be with you, Astros.
https://giphy.com/gifs/nFFguNjdeotwc

[u/idoubledareya]

Not sure on the rules but isn't that a balk? 

[u/recoveringbarista1]

Please Padres, White Sox WS🙏

[u/wgpjr]

This makes the Etsy Witch look pretty weak

[u/CaptainSPR]

How effective are trash cans when you have the Lord on your side? Asking for a friend...

[u/PalePerry]

https://giphy.com/gifs/Pf0d7Y5oAKZgs

[u/diyfou]

Get ready to learn Latin buddy

[u/cowheadcow]

Biggest cheating scandal of all time

[u/ballershotcaller20]

You telling me Jesus Christ can’t hit a curve ball?

[u/MusesWithWine]

Hope the Sox don’t play my team else I’ll have to invoke a certain Tim Minchin song.

[u/salajander]

Popetober

[u/Hotroddeluxe86]

Quoting yourself in a letter (with citations) is baller af

[u/Go_crazy21]

What does it mean if Houston sweeps after this?

[u/IndominusTaco → u/Go_crazy21]

that houston is the root of all sin, and their evil must be dealt with

[u/AnybodySeeMyKeys → u/IndominusTaco]

They and their apostate megachurches must be stamped out.

[u/meatballman1218 → u/IndominusTaco]

As if they weren't already!

[u/RIP_Greedo → u/Go_crazy21]

Few places on God's green earth are further from His sight than Houston, Texas.

[u/TheBigF128 → u/Go_crazy21]

A crusade to take back Houston

[u/LMGgp → u/Go_crazy21]

They sold their souls once already…

[u/bigbobo33]

If the White Sox win the World Series that might actually convince me that God is real.

[u/weaksaucedude]

Nobody stands a chance against some dudes from Chicago on a mission from God. We're cooked

[u/realnomdeguerre]

If they win the WS do you think they'll go to the Vatican instead of the white house?

[u/FadedToBeige]

https://giphy.com/gifs/l0ErLeqamV3UOARsA

[u/mhgiantsfan]

malort baptisms for all

[u/moshlyfe]

Chase Meidroth has the mandate of heaven.

[u/Tlix]

Man that is genuinely so awesome.

[u/Virtual_Zebra_9453]

Astros going from trash cans to the depths of hell. Or at least purgatory

[u/Dizzy_Amphibian]

P.S. Win the whole fucking thing