Supporters of Pope Leo XIV gathered Saturday, not in a cathedral or a church, but a baseball stadium the pope once frequented years as Robert Francis Prevost.

Luis Robert Jr. has been on the trade market for the better part of a year now. The Chicago White Sox were historically bad in 2024, but held onto Robert Jr. at

"I have him penciled in the lineup for Tuesday, give him the day and see where he’s at," manager Will Venable said. "We expect him to be in on Tuesday."

Leo, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, was quickly discovered to be a White Sox fan after his elevation to head of the Catholic Church earlier this year. The team has leaned in, with murals of Leo adorning the stadium and fans often showing up to games dressed as His Holiness.

The noted Chicago White Sox fan will deliver a pre-recorded video message to attendees and viewers. Friends of the pope are also expected to speak.

“So many people who suffer from different experiences of depression or sadness — they can discover that the love of God is truly healing, that it brings hope,” the first American pope said in a video broadcast on the jumbotron at the White Sox baseball stadium in Chicago.

Will Venable hit the clubhouse early on Sunday after the Chicago White Sox manager was thrown out in the first inning against the Texas Rangers. His early exit did lead to a fantastic line from a White Sox broadcaster.