Overview
- The gift was presented on Thanksgiving aboard the papal plane during Pope Leo XIV’s first trip abroad as he greeted the Vatican press corps.
- CBS correspondent Chris Livesay said the Louisville Slugger was a family heirloom mailed by his cousin with a request that he give it to the pope.
- The bat, described as once used by Hall of Famer Nellie Fox and featuring his initials and number, drew a smile and the pope’s quip, “How did you get this through security?”
- Livesay posted video of the exchange on social media, and CBS shared images and clips from inside the cabin.
- Reporters also handed Pope Leo White Sox slippers and socks, extending a series of Chicago and team tributes that have celebrated his South Side ties.