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.

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

The Chicago White Sox and Milwaukee Brewers made the first notable deal just over a month out from the MLB trade deadline, with starting pitcher Aaron Civale dealt to Chicago in exchange for first baseman Andrew Vaughn. That deal could have a domino effect on the MLB trade deadline in July, impacting multiple clubs.

"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."

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.

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.

Manager Will Venable returns to face his previous team Friday when the White Sox begin a three-game series against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. Venable spent 2023-24 on Bruce Bochy’s staff as the associate manager.

Pope Leo XIV, a Chicago native and the first American pope, wore a White Sox baseball cap during a public appearance at the Vatican, setting the tone for his papal style.