Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, has publicly expressed his support for the Los Angeles Dodgers, captivating baseball fans and Catholics alike. During a general audience in St. Peter’s Square on August 20, 2025, the 69-year-old Chicago native, born Robert Francis Prevost, shared his admiration for the Dodgers’ emotional performance during their 2025 season, culminating in a blessing: “God bless the entire Dodgers in their entire journey.” The statement, reported by Vatican News, has sparked a wave of enthusiasm, with Dodgers fans celebrating the papal endorsement as a divine boost for their postseason hopes. Despite his well-documented allegiance to the Chicago White Sox, Pope Leo’s nod to the Dodgers underscores his growing connection to sports as a unifying force.

The Dodgers’ 2025 season has been marked by resilience and emotional highs, making them a fitting recipient of the Pope’s blessing. Fresh off their 2024 World Series victory, the team has maintained dominance in the National League West, clinching a playoff berth on September 19, 2024, according to Baseball-Reference.com. Their roster, featuring stars like Shohei Ohtani, who achieved a historic 50 homers and 50 stolen bases in 2024, and Mookie Betts, has overcome challenges like injuries to pitchers Zac Gallen and Corbin Burnes. A recent sweep against the San Diego Padres and Clayton Kershaw’s fourth consecutive win on August 24, 2025, highlighted their depth, as noted by ESPN. The team’s unity, celebrated in Netflix’s upcoming Dodgers Dynasty documentary, resonated with Pope Leo, who has emphasized synodality and communion in his pontificate, per Vatican News. His blessing reflects admiration for the Dodgers’ ability to inspire through collective effort.

Pope Leo’s connection to baseball is well-established, though his heart has long been with the White Sox. Spotted in the crowd at Game 1 of the 2005 World Series, as confirmed by a viral Reddit post with 9,153 votes, he was photographed wearing a White Sox cap during a Vatican appearance on June 11, 2025, per CBSSports.com. The White Sox even extended an invitation for him to throw out a ceremonial first pitch at Guaranteed Rate Field, an offer that remains open, according to MLB.com. However, his support for the Dodgers, a rival team’s fanbase, has raised eyebrows. “It’s not about switching teams,” a Vatican spokesperson clarified to National Catholic Register. “His Holiness sees the Dodgers’ story as a testament to perseverance and community, values he holds dear.” This aligns with his call for unity, echoed in his May 10, 2025, address to the College of Cardinals, where he urged a “united Church” to evangelize through love and service.

The Dodgers’ fanbase, known for its passionate presence, has embraced the Pope’s blessing with fervor. Social media platforms like X exploded with posts, such as @LADodgersFaith’s: “Pope Leo XIV blessing our boys in blue? This is divine intervention!” The team’s cultural impact, underscored by a $5.45 billion franchise valuation and top merchandise sales, per Forbes, has made them a global phenomenon, drawing comparisons to the White Sox’s hopes of capturing Vatican City’s attention, as reported by Sports Illustrated. The Dodgers’ recent recognition by ESPN, Netflix, and Guinness World Records as the “most united” baseball team further aligns with Pope Leo’s message of solidarity, especially after their receipt of custom diamond-encrusted rings celebrating their 24 NL pennants.

The Pope’s endorsement comes at a pivotal moment, with the Dodgers facing the Philadelphia Phillies in a crucial series as the postseason looms. Manager Dave Roberts, responding to the blessing, told The Athletic, “Having the Pope’s support feels like a higher power is with us. It’s humbling and motivating.” The gesture also ties into Leo’s broader vision of using sports to spread faith, as outlined in Religion Unplugged. His love for baseball, rooted in his Chicago upbringing, has been a recurring theme, with speculation about canonizing Blessed Michael McGivney as a patron saint for the sport, per National Catholic Register. As the Dodgers chase another championship, Pope Leo’s blessing has galvanized fans, blending spirituality with the crack of the bat. Whether at Dodger Stadium or St. Peter’s Square, his words have united believers and baseball lovers in a shared journey of hope.