Sales of a new jersey honoring Chicago's very own pope will be donated to Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago and other area charities, the shirt's creators announced in a press release on Saturday, June 14.
“It’s not every day that a pope comes from the South Side — and is a Sox fan on top of it,” said JP Kaplan, founder of Illinois-based Catholic Imprint said in the release.
“We wanted to do something joyful and meaningful that honors his legacy while supporting the community that shaped him," said Kaplan.
The jersey is white with gold lettering, a nod to the Vatican flag. The front reads "Chicago" in a script font, and the back says "Pope Leo XIV."
Pope Leo's signature adorns the top of the back of the jersey, near the nape of the neck.
The back of the jersey also has an image of Chicago's skyline, and the hemline has Pope Leo XIV's birth name and birth location.
This jersey is more than merchandise — it’s a statement of faith, a nod to a South Side Pope, and a meaningful way to invest in the city that raised him.
Like everything else created by Catholic Imprint, the Pope Leo Jersey is made in the United States, said the release. Catholic Imprint sells evangelization tools to dioceses, parishes, and schools around the country.
"This baseball jersey embodies that mission and our love for Chicago," said Kaplan.
Celebrates and gives back
The Pope Leo Jersey is a collaboration between Catholic Imprint and Soardist, a Chicago-based manufacturer of custom promotions. Each jersey is hand-produced.
“It’s refreshing to work on something that celebrates our city and gives back at the same time,” said Mark Jaroszewski, president of Soardist Displays and Apparel North America said in the release.
“Partnering with Catholic Imprint has been a great fit — we’re proud to produce right here in Chicago and support causes that make a real difference locally," said Jaroszewski.
A first
Born in Chicago and raised in the South Side suburb of Dolton, Illinois, Pope Leo XIV was elected to the papacy on May 8, 2025. He is the first pope from the United States.
Within minutes of his election, speculation began over which of Chicago's baseball teams Pope Leo XIV supported.
His brother, John Prevost, confirmed that the pontiff is a lifelong fan of the Chicago White Sox.
Check out the new jersey here.