Pope Leo blessed the Chicago White Sox before their playoff run, according to ESPN. The ceremony, held on the eve of the postseason, marked a rare moment where a religious figure publicly offered spiritual support to a professional baseball team.

The blessing itself was a simple ritual, in which Pope Leo invoked prayers for the players’ health, focus, and teamwork. While the exact words of the blessing were not disclosed, the gesture was intended to provide a sense of unity and calm as the team prepares to face high‑stakes competition.

Reactions from fans and media have been mixed. Some view the event as an uplifting reminder of faith’s role in everyday life, while others see it as an unconventional addition to the sports arena. The White Sox organization welcomed the blessing, noting that morale and confidence are as important as physical preparation during the playoffs.

As the team moves forward into the postseason, the blessing may serve as a quiet source of motivation. The White Sox will face a series of opponents in the next round, and the spiritual support they received could help them maintain composure under pressure.