What We Know About Pope Leo XIV's Letter to the White Sox

The Chicago White Sox received a letter from Pope Leo XIV on the day of their playoff opener against the Houston Astros, according to ABC News. The letter, dated Sept. 9, was addressed to team owner Jerry Reinsdorf and arrived at Chicago's Rate Field on Tuesday, ahead of Game 1 of the American League Wild Card Series, ABC News reported.

What did the letter say?

The pope thanked Reinsdorf for a note the owner had sent after the team honored Leo during an Aug. 11 game against the Cincinnati Reds, according to the wire report. He closed with a message of unity: "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," Leo wrote, per ABC News. "With these sentiments, I willingly invoke the Almighty's abundant blessings upon you and your loved ones."

Why did Pope Leo XIV write to the White Sox?

The letter was a reply. Reinsdorf had written to the pope following the Aug. 11 tribute, and Leo's note responded to that gesture, ABC News reported. The exchange became public as the White Sox opened their playoff series against the Astros in Houston.

What is Pope Leo XIV's connection to the team?

Before his election, Leo was known as Robert Prevost, or Father Bob, and grew up a White Sox fan in Chicago, according to ABC News. He attended the team's World Series opener 21 years ago, a 5-3 win over the Astros, the wire service reported. Asked recently whether he had a hand in the club's turnaround this season, the pope smiled and said, "No comment," per ABC News.

How did the White Sox make the playoffs?

Chicago clinched an AL wild card berth by finishing 84-78, according to ABC News. The record marks a sharp reversal for a franchise that lost at least 101 games in each of the previous three seasons, the wire report said.

What happens next for the White Sox?

The letter's arrival coincided with Game 1 of the Wild Card Series against Houston. ABC News did not report a game result in its story on the letter. The full AL playoff bracket and later results are covered in the AP's ongoing MLB coverage, linked from the original ABC News story.

Has the Vatican commented further?

No additional Vatican statement beyond the letter's text was included in the ABC News report. The story is based on the letter itself and remarks the pope made to journalists, cited by the wire service, with no further papal spokesperson comment noted.