Overview
- Justin Ishbia and his wife met Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican and extended the first-pitch invitation in person, drawing the response "schedule permitting."
- The meeting was arranged through U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See Brian Burch, who has Chicago roots.
- Ishbia presented a team-signed 2005 White Sox World Series replica jersey, which the pope chose to keep near him despite standard gift protocol.
- Ishbia asked for a blessing for a prospective new stadium and said there is no date or firm commitment for a papal visit or ballpark plan.
- The outreach reflects Ishbia’s broader branding and stadium ambitions as a minority investor with a potential path to control in 2029 and the pope’s well-documented White Sox fandom, including his presence at the 2005 World Series.