One Detail About Pope Leo XIV's Appearance During Visit to St. Peter's Square Causes a Stir — Photo

When the Pope stepped out in Vatican City, one small accessory stole the spotlight — and it wasn't even part of his traditional papal garments.

Pope Leo XIV’s general audience at St. Peter's Square on June 11, 2025, began with the usual rituals: blessings, warm greetings, and ceremonial formality. But it was his unexpected headwear that stole the spotlight and sparked a flurry of mixed reactions online.

The day started with the Pope arriving in his white popemobile, waving to thousands of pilgrims and faithful gathered in the square. Many held their phones high, eager to record his passage.

Along the route, he paused to greet a young boy wearing a red-and-yellow cap labeled "España." With a gentle smile, he clasped the child's hand, creating a tender and spontaneous moment that drew attention from those nearby.

The crowd behind them beamed, many of them capturing the encounter on their phones.

Later, from the stage, the Pope addressed the crowd. He was dressed in full papal white, including a skullcap, pectoral cross, and tinted eyeglasses. With both hands slightly raised, he appeared composed and expressive as he spoke to the audience gathered in the square.

During the customary greeting of newlywed couples, Pope Leo XIV was photographed interacting with a bride and groom. An image showed him standing before a kneeling groom and touching his bride's head.

At one point, he appeared to gently adjust or lift his skullcap while smiling at a bride in a pearl-embellished gown.

But the tone shifted from reverent to unexpected when, during the continued audience, Pope Leo XIV was photographed wearing a black Chicago White Sox baseball cap.

The moment quickly caught attention online, and the Chicago White Sox joined in by posting an image on X revealing Pope Leo XIV's unexpected look.

Reactions online were swift and divided. One netizen expressed disapproval, "I don't think this is funny! 😑🖐 he needs to stop!" Another commented, "Do pope's do things like this? If not i feel like its tacky and unserious but idk much about the papacy tbh [sic]."

Some raised concerns about the symbolism of deviating from full ceremonial attire, "I hope he didn't wear [sic] the whole way through the service. I don't think he can give blessings or curse people with ailments or rain toads,unless the whole Pope regalia is worn."

Others shared a more uneasy sentiment. One commenter said that the moment felt off in a way they couldn't quite explain. Another added, "There's something unsettling about this and I can't put my finger on it. Like when Marge Simpson was watching Bart fly a kite at night. It just felt unwholesome."

Others took a lighter approach, joking, "Very concerning that such a high ranking religious figure would choose the wrong team. Hopefully it's just limited to baseball. 🙂 #GoCubsGo [sic]!"

Still, many praised Pope Leo XIV's relatability.

A viewer observed, "It's so refreshing to see the Pope with an actual real life personalization that shows he's still a regular guy, not some stuffy old traditionalist that can't ever even smile. I even noticed he wore an Apple Watch in one photo."

A supporter remarked, "This playful image of Pope Leo XIV wearing a White Sox cap adds a charming touch of humor and relatability to his audience. It highlights the Pope's approachable nature and ability to connect with people through lighthearted moments."

Another reflected on the broader message, "This scene not only breaks the stereotype between religion and sports, but also shows the Pope's friendly and down-to-earth side."

For many, the cap was more than just an accessory—it was another example of Pope Leo XIV’s increasingly personal and unconventional approach, much like what he displayed during his Inauguration Mass on May 18.

Around 200,000 people filled St. Peter's Square to witness Pope Leo XIV's inaugural Mass. Pilgrims, clergy, cardinals, and world leaders gathered under flags and cameras as the atmosphere surged with anticipation and applause.

He rode through the square in an open-back Popemobile, waving to the jubilant crowd. He chose to forgo the bulletproof enclosure that typically shields pontiffs, following the example of Pope Francis.

The move broke with standard protocol, a bold decision for a newly elected American pope navigating a volatile global stage.

He carried that same spirit of openness into his homily. Speaking before heads of state and royalty, he said, "Brothers and sisters, I would like that our first great desire be for a united Church, a sign of unity and communion, which becomes a leaven for a reconciled world."

He invoked the example of St. Peter to describe the kind of leadership the papacy should embody, "Peter must shepherd the flock without ever yielding to the temptation to be an autocrat, lording it over those entrusted to him. On the contrary, he is called to serve the faith of his brothers and sisters, and to walk alongside them."

Pope Leo XIV also promised to reject the use of "religious propaganda" in Church leadership. His message underscored a pontificate committed to walking with others, not ruling above them.

Just days earlier, he had signaled a similar break from tradition. On May 9, at his first Mass in the Sistine Chapel, Pope Leo XIV addressed the College of Cardinals in English — a language hardly ever used as the opening language of a papal homily, particularly in such a formal setting.

Speaking in his Chicago accent, he began, "I will sing a new song to the Lord," before continuing the Mass in Italian.

These gestures — the open vehicle and the use of English — reflected a conscious shift in tone. They were also a clear signal that Pope Leo XIV intended to lead in a voice distinctively his own.

One attendee who appeared to resonate with the Pope's message was Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who joined the mass with his wife, Olena Zelenska. He later met with Pope Leo XIV and posted about the meeting on Instagram.

Zelenskyy thanked the Pope for the audience and wrote, "For millions of people around the world, the Pontiff is a symbol of hope for peace. The authority and voice of the Holy See can play an important role in bringing this war to an end."

He continued, "We thank the Vatican for its willingness to serve as a platform for direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. We are ready for dialogue in any format for the sake of tangible results."

Zelenskyy's message echoed themes raised in the Pope's homily, where he mentioned unity seven times and urged for a reconciled world.