New Pope Caught on Camera at 2005 World Series

Before he was leading the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV was just Robert Prevost—a die-hard White Sox fan soaking in the magic of the 2005 World Series in Chicago.

Long-forgotten footage and a vintage snapshot from Game 1 have resurfaced, showing the now-pope cheering on his South Side team at U.S. Cellular Field, nearly 20 years before ascending to the papacy. The moment captures Prevost wearing a White Sox jersey under a black zip-up, chatting on a flip phone in the stands alongside family friends Ed Schmit and his grandson.

Pope Leo XIV at the 2005 World Series.

(h/t @Suntimes) pic.twitter.com/Y3AvnGmoqM

— Sox On 35th (@SoxOn35th) May 9, 2025

The newly rediscovered clip, pulled from the FOX Sports broadcast of the Oct. 22, 2005 game, shows Prevost standing with fellow fans during the tense final moments of the ninth inning—just before the Sox locked in a 5-3 win over the Houston Astros.

Pope Leo XIV made the broadcast while at Game 1 of the 2005 World Series

pic.twitter.com/VGSqkRFsSB

— Joe Binder (@JoeBinder) May 9, 2025

The Chicago Sun-Times reported that Prevost and Schmit were regulars at Sox games, a tradition rooted in Prevost’s upbringing in Dolton, Illinois, located just south of Comiskey Park.

Now, that childhood home is attracting attention. Listed for $199,000 until just days ago, real estate agent Steve Budzik told the New York Post that the price is already climbing—thanks to its holy connection.

“There’s no way it’s going for just $200,000 now,” Budzik said, revealing that four offers poured in immediately after Prevost became the first American pope in history. The property could even be turned into a landmark.

Even the White Sox are proudly claiming him. “Well, would you look at that… Congratulations to Chicago’s own Pope Leo XIV,” the team posted on X, with a cheeky nod to his brother John confirming the pope’s Sox allegiance.

One thing’s clear—Pope Leo XIV’s heart has always been in the right place: behind home plate on the South Side.