HOUSTON — The Chicago White Sox obtained a letter from Pope Leo XIV on the identical day of their playoff opener in opposition to the Houston Astros.
The Sept. 9 letter was addressed to White Sox proprietor Jerry Reinsdorf, and the staff stated it arrived at Chicago’s Fee Discipline on Tuesday forward of Sport 1 of its AL Wild Card Series in opposition to the Astros.
Leo is a White Sox fan courting to his days rising up in Chicago. He was generally known as Robert Prevost or Father Bob when he went to the World Collection opener 21 years in the past, a 5-3 White Sox victory over the Astros.
The pontiff started his notice by thanking Reinsdorf for the letter he despatched after the staff paid tribute to Leo throughout an Aug. 11 sport in opposition to Cincinnati.
“It’s my hope that the White Sox will proceed to foster bonds of friendship and solidarity amongst folks, and thus bear hopeful witness to the potential for dwelling and dealing collectively in peace,” Leo wrote.
“With these sentiments, I willingly invoke the Almighty’s plentiful blessings upon you and your family members.”
The White Sox earned an AL wild card this 12 months by ending with an 84-78 report. They misplaced no less than 101 video games in every of the earlier three seasons.
Requested not too long ago if he had a hand within the staff’s shocking turnaround, the smiling pontiff responded “No comment.”
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