A Historic Moment at the Vatican

In an unexpected and delightful encounter, Pope Leo XIV kicked off his first public audience by asking a fan, 'White Sox or Cubs?' This lighthearted moment occurred during a receiving line at the Vatican's Paul VI Audience Hall, capturing the hearts of onlookers and baseball lovers alike.

A Fan's Dream Come True

Jason Perash, a 46-year-old attorney and aspiring journalist, found himself in the right place at the right time. Presenting the Pope with a Rawlings Official Major League Baseball, he suddenly became part of a unique papal tradition.

The Pope, a lifelong White Sox enthusiast, happily signed the baseball with his Latin papal autograph, 'Leone PP XIV', right on the sweet spot. For Perash, this was not just an autograph; it was a highlight of a lifetime, made even more special as fans surrounded him, capturing the moment.

Baseball and the Vatican: An Unlikely Connection

As fans gathered around, one enthusiastic woman even reverently kissed the signed ball, highlighting the deep connection many feel towards their sports heroes, no matter how unconventional the setting. Perash remarked, 'I think he’ll do well. The fact that he relates to baseball is a plus; every other Pope would probably have been bewildered by a request to sign a baseball!'

A Collector's Obsession

Living in Colorado, Perash is not just any collector; he is considered an 'autograph guru'. His passion for baseball memorabilia has resulted in a remarkable collection that includes signed baseballs from presidents, astronauts, and rock legends like the Beatles.

In fact, Leo XIV is the first pope to sign a baseball in person for him, making this encounter even more significant. The night before, he had attempted to gather autographs from several cardinals—mostly to no avail—but this morning's papal audience was a home run.

A Star in the Collection

Carefully storing the newly signed baseball in its protective casing, Perash beamed with pride. 'An American guy who likes baseball—I never thought I'd see the day!' he exclaimed, looking forward to learning more about the pontiff as time goes on.

Pope Leo’s baseball will now take a special place in his expansive assortment, alongside treasures like a Mark Buehrle perfect-game ball and several from baseball legend Frank Thomas.

Looking Ahead

As Pope Leo XIV settles into his role, fans and followers alike are eager to see how his love for baseball might influence his papacy. One thing is for certain: he’s already made a memorable first impression!