The Chicago White Sox receive a letter from Pope Leo XIV ahead of their AL Wild Card Series opener against the Houston Astros. Multiple outlets report the team receives the message on the day of Game 1, framing it as a supportive gesture timed with the start of the playoffs.
Coverage describes the letter’s religious content, with Yahoo Sports saying it invokes the “Almighty’s abundant blessings” for the team as it begins its postseason campaign. Yahoo also reports the pope attended the White Sox’s last playoff series win in 2005, adding historical context to the connection. Other outlets focus primarily on the fact that the letter arrives on the day of the opener, without additional emphasis on the pope’s past attendance.
