After hitting a home run in the Chicago White Sox's Game 1 win against the Houston Astros, up-and-comer Colson Montgomery gave a shoutout to one of the team's biggest fans, Pope Leo.
In a video taken after Game 1 by the MLB, Montgomery was asked to give a message to the pope, who wrote the team a letter of encouragement before the contest.
Colson Montgomery has a message for Pope Leo XIV! #Postseason pic.twitter.com/0grfO27AVO
— MLB (@MLB) September 30, 2026
“We just thank Pope Leo for all his support and everything like that,” Montgomery said. “We love that he's a White Sox fan and we just love his support.”
Pope Leo is a Chicago sports fan, particularly of the White Sox. He was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, long before becoming the pope.
Article Continues BelowBefore the White Sox's game against the Astros, he penned a letter of encouragement. It was sent to the team's owner, Jerry Reinsdorf, a half hour before the first pitch.
“As I have noted, ‘Sport can truly become a school of life, where all can learn that abundance does not come from victory at any cost, but from sharing, from respecting others and from the joy of walking together,'” he wrote. “In this spirit, it is my hope that the White Sox will continue to foster bonds of friendship and solidarity among people, and thus bear hopeful witness to the possibility of living and working together in peace.
“With these sentiments, I willingly invoke the Almighty’s abundant blessings upon you and your loved ones,” the pope continued.
The White Sox took a 1-0 lead in the American League Wild Card round against the Astros on Tuesday, Sep. 29. They were up 5-0 before the Astros scored for the first time. Montgomery only had one hit on the night, but it was a big home run. Game 2 of the series will be played on Wednesday, Sep. 30.