Pope Leo XIV on White Sox return to postseason: 'Great things happen in Chicago'

The Chicago White Sox are back in the playoffs after clinching a spot on Thursday with a 9-1 win over the Kansas City Royals . The postseason appearance ends a five-year drought for the franchise, which had three-straight 100-loss seasons entering the 2026 campaign.

There were a number of factors that went into the successful regular season such as the offensive production from Miguel Vargas , Colson Montgomery and offseason addition Munetaka Murakami , as well as the pitching staff led by Sean Burke .

Another potential factor is the power of long-time White Sox fan Robert Prevost, better known now as Pope Leo XIV.

The Holy Father's fandom has been heavily documented, as he was in attendance at the 2005 World Series , which the White Sox won.

So would Pope Leo's new status have anything to do with the turnaround season for his favorite baseball team?

"No comment," Leo said , smiling when asked on the papal plane. "Great things happen in Chicago ."

The team and the fanbase have embraced their famous fan since he became Pope. As the playoffs get set to begin next week, everyone on the South Side of Chicago is hoping Leo's good luck will lead to a championship parade at the end of October.