When Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago was elected Pope Leo XIV, the world was abuzz with the historic news of the first American pope in 2,000 years of the Catholic Church. But for sports fans, there was another question on their minds: Is Pope Leo XIV a Cubs fan or a White Sox fan? The answer has been revealed and it’s got the Chicago baseball community all abuzz.
The Verdict: Southside All the Way
According to John Prevost, the brother of Pope Leo XIV, the new pope is a die-hard White Sox fan. Speaking to WGN TV, John put to rest the rumors that his brother was a Cubs fan.
“He was never ever a Cubs fan, so I don’t know where that came from,” John Prevost said. “He was always a Sox fan. Our mother was a Cubs fan. I don’t know, maybe that clued in there, and our dad was a Cardinals fan.”
John said family dynamics played a role in their allegiances. While their mom’s side was from the north side of Chicago and rooted for the Cubs, Pope Leo XIV stayed loyal to the south side and the White Sox, an allegiance shared by his father, who was a Cardinals fan.
The Cubs’ Misstep and the White Sox’s Victory Lap
In the aftermath of Pope Leo XIV’s election, the Chicago Cubs were quick to claim him as one of their own. A sign outside Wrigley Field read:
“Hey Chicago. He’s a Cubs fan!”
But once the truth came out, the White Sox didn’t waste any time setting the record straight. They posted a picture of the video board inside Guaranteed Rate Field with the caption:
“Hey Chicago. He’s a Sox fan!”
The Cubs later acknowledged the mistake in a humorous post, congratulating the White Sox and Pope Leo XIV with the caption:
“Well, would you look at that… Congratulations to Chicago’s own Pope Leo XIV.”
A Historic Moment for Chicago
Pope Leo XIV’s election is a big deal for Catholics but also for Chicagoans. As the first American pope, his connection to the city has brought a lot of pride—and a little bit of rivalry—to its residents.
The Cubs may have claimed him first, but the White Sox can now say they have papal approval. For South Siders, this is just another reason to be happy about an already historic moment.
Knicks Fans Weigh In Too
Interestingly, Pope Leo XIV’s alma mater, Villanova University, has also gotten Knicks fans excited. With three Wildcats on the Knicks—Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges—some are thinking this could be the year for the Knicks.
But back in Chicago, all eyes are on the baseball divide.
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