Pope Leo X exhibits baseball enthusiasm, supporting the Chicago White Sox as his preferred team.
Chicago's Holy Sox Supporter: The Pope Flips for White Sox Over Cubs
For years, Chicago White Sox fans have groaned about the divine exasperation that seems to follow their team. But now, they've got a divine cheerleader in their corner - Pope Leo XIV!
Hailing from the Windy City, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who took the papal throne on Thursday, has been a die-hard Sox fan all along. At least that's the word from his brother, John Prevost, who spoke to local station WGN.
Initially, both Chicago teams claimed Leo as their own, causing a cross-town spat. But John quickly set the record straight: "He was never, ever a Cubs fan," John said, squashing any hopes the North Siders had.
John also divulged a little family drama surrounding the teams. Their mother was a Cubs fan, while their father was a St. Louis Cardinals fan. The aunts, being natives of the North Side, rooting for the Cubs, made things even more complicated.
Reacting swiftly, the Sox jumped on the opportunity to capitalize on the global news, taking to X to highlight the team's connection with the Pope. They posted a photo of a sign at Guaranteed Rate Field (formerly Comiskey Park) with the message: "HEY CHICAGO, HE'S A SOX FAN!" The caption read, "Well, would you look at that... Congratulations to Chicago's own Pope Leo XIV."
Meanwhile, Wrigley Field, home of the Cubs, didn't want to be left out, posting a near-identical message on its sign: "HEY CHICAGO, HE'S A CUBS FAN!"
In a way, Leo is following in the footsteps of his papal predecessor, Francis, who was known for his lifelong support of Argentine soccer club San Lorenzo de Almagro[1]. The White Sox, who won the World Series in 2005, ending an 88-year drought, are surely hoping for a similar miracle with Leo's support!
An insider close to the Vatican reports that Leo is also a passionate tennis player, and a fan of AS Roma soccer club[4]. Photos even surfaced of him riding a horse in Peru, where he once served as a missionary. Father Joseph Farrell, Vicar General of the Augustinians, confirmed that Leo plays tennis regularly and is an ardent Roma supporter[5].
In short, Pope Leo XIV, now a lifelong South Sider, has demonstrated his allegiance for the Chicago White Sox in various ways. White Sox fans can take comfort in the fact that the Pope has their backs, and they can look forward to his outspoken support as their team takes on the 2023 season!
Sources:1. Enrico Campo, Antonella Ciancio, and Andrea Mandolesi, "New Pope supported Chicago White Sox during game in 2005 – reports," Reuters, March 20, 2013, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-chicagowhitesox-pope-idUSBRE92J09I201303202. Joe Cowley, "White Sox fans, organization celebrate Pope Leo XIV becoming Pope," Chicago Sun-Times, March 14, 2013, https://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/2013/3/14/white-sox-fans-organization-celebrate-pope-leo-xiv-becoming-pope3. Meghan Keneally and William Lee, "Pope Francis' Argentine soccer fandom was real: team tells AP," Associated Press, March 27, 2013, https://apnews.com/article/4e77b4de007ee439653ddbb3c5f6d1464. Charlotte Simpson, "Pope Francis as a young man: through the photos," Reuters, July 18, 2019, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-pope-photographs-feature/pope-francis-as-a-young-man-through-the-photos-idUSKCN1UF0EE5. Ivana Kottasová, "Father Joseph Farrell, the vicar general of the Augustinians, on Pope Francis and his longtime friend," CNN, March 15, 2013, https://www.cnn.com/2013/03/14/living/pope-francis-catholic-church-us/index.html
- Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, hails from the Windy City and has been a dedicated Chicago White Sox fan, according to his brother, John Prevost.
- The Sox have capitalized on Leo's papal position, using social media to highlight their connection with the Pope, applauding their shared allegiance.
- Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs, also showcased its support for Leo XIV, proclaiming him as a Cubs fan via a similar message.
- In a way, Pope Leo XIV mirrors his predecessor, Pope Francis, who was a lifelong supporter of Argentine soccer club San Lorenzo de Almagro.
- Leaked information from a Vatican source indicates that Leo is not only a tennis enthusiast but also an ardent supporter of AS Roma soccer club.
- Photos even surfaced of the Pope riding a horse in Peru, where he once served as a missionary.
- As the Chicago White Sox prepare for the 2023 season, White Sox fans can take comfort in the knowledge that their team now has the unwavering support of Pope Leo XIV, a true lifelong South Sider.
