Paul Konerko, the captain of the 2005 Chicago White Sox, won the World Series that year. Ten years later, his jersey number, 14, was retired by the team.
But it's safe to say that Konerko is okay with sharing the spotlight with another famous "14" from the Chicago-area: Pope Leo XIV.
On July 12, Konerko was presented with a signed number 14 jersey emblazoned with both "Konerko" and "Pope Leo."
Konerko was attending the game as part of a 20th-anniversary reunion of the 2005 team.
Prior to the start of the reunion ceremony, Cardinal Blase Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, and Konerko were invited to the field, where Cupich presented Konerko with the jersey.
For his part, Konerko seemed downright giddy, laughing and grinning at the jersey.
"It's kind of surreal," Konerko told the Associated Press. "I'm sure my mom will ask for dibs on it."
Konerko also plans on returning the favor, and sending a signed jersey of his own to Pope Leo XIV.
"I'm not sure he's going to be as excited for mine to arrive, but we'll see," said Konerko, reported by the Associated Press.
The White Sox later shared a video of Konerko signing a jersey.
The future Pope Leo XIV, who at the time was known as Father Bob, attended the first game of the 2005 World Series with a longtime friend. A Chicago native, the Pope is a lifelong White Sox fan.
His brief television appearance at the World Series went viral following his election to the papacy. Since then, Pope Leo XIV has been extended an "open invite" to throw a first pitch at a White Sox game, and has been honored with a mural near the section he sat in during the World Series.
