MLB games aren’t as long as they were before the pitch clock, but every game still needs something to break it up.
In some stadiums, that’s the singing of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” or “God Bless America.” For one night, the **White Sox** took a different approach.
Fans at **Rate Field** offered each other a sign of peace, in the Catholic tradition, during the fifth inning of Tuesday’s “Pope Hat” giveaway game celebrating Chicago-born **Pope Leo XIV**. The gestures made for a heartwarming scene during a game that otherwise spiraled out of control for the White Sox.
Here’s how the White Sox’ fifth-inning peace offering started, led by **Fr. Tom Hurley**:
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) August 12, 2026
Two years ago, would you have imagined a man in a **Paul Konerko** jersey offering a sign of peace to a man in a White Sox-themed Pope hat? Probably not.
The White Sox held “Peace Be With You” between innings.
(Via: @HaffBall7) pic.twitter.com/rUUFlR9jAu
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) August 12, 2026
The scenes from the fifth inning were genuinely touching:
6th inning “Sign of Peace” at the Rate! #whiteSox #Pope hat night pic.twitter.com/Q2d2WYMPFr
— Peggy Kusinski (@peggykusinski) August 12, 2026
Passing the Peace at the White Sox game in honour of His Holiness The Pope! pic.twitter.com/a4XmATH3eq
— diezba (@diezba) August 12, 2026
After leading the peace offering, Hurley called Tuesday’s game “one of the more meaningful and enjoyable nights” of his life.
One of the more meaningful and enjoyable nights of my life. Sox fans are the Best! Let’s bring some of this great energy of fellowship and peace to the world! I’m sure Leo XIV would agree. Thank you @whitesox @CHSN_WhiteSox https://t.co/YNJwL2vIUt
— Tom Hurley (@thomasj_hurley) August 12, 2026
Game Didn’t End as Peacefully
Unfortunately for White Sox fans, the game didn’t end peacefully. Chicago saw a **4-0 lead** slip away, with the **Reds** scoring three runs in the eighth inning to pull even before taking the lead in extras.
The White Sox didn’t score after the fourth inning.
Still, it’s been a magical year for the franchise considering the White Sox set a single-season record for losses just two years ago. Chicago still leads the **AL Central** by **2.5 games**, with the Guardians fading in recent days but the **Tigers** and **Twins** still hanging around in the race.
What makes this celebration even more special is how it brought fans together during what’s been a remarkable turnaround season. From rock bottom to leading their division – that’s worth sharing the peace over.




