Pope Leo XIII expresses adoration for the Chicago White Sox baseball team.
Rewritten Article:
Reuters, WASHINGTON
For years, Chicago White Sox loyalists have been muttering that winning glory for their ball club seemed like an otherworldly feat. Now, they've earned the backing of the most righteous figure you'd ever hope for—Pope Leo XIV.
Born and bred in Chicago, the newly elected pontiff, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, has long been a fan of one of his two beloved hometown baseball teams.
At first, it seemed as if both Chicago teams were competing to claim Leo as their own, sparking a citywide rivalry—until his brother set the record straight.
Speaking to local TV station WGN, John Prevost left no room for misinterpretation: "He's never been a Cubs fan, you know? So I don't know where that came from. He was always a Sox fan."
John also divulged a family feud over team allegiances. "Mom was a Cubs fan… and Dad was a St Louis Cardinals fan. Most of Mom's family was from the north side, so that's why they were fans of the Cubs," he confessed.
The White Sox grabbed the chance to solidify their claim when Pope Leo XIV's election made headlines, posting a photo of a banner on Rate Field, their home turf, that proudly declares: "LOOK AT THAT... HE'S A SOX FAN!" The team added, "Congratulations to Chicago's Pope Leo XIV!"
Wrigley Field, the Cubs' long-standing home field, had posted a similar message: "HEY CHICAGO, HE'S A CUBS FAN!"
In some ways, Leo is following the footsteps of Pope Francis, his papal predecessor, who was a die-hard fan of his local soccer team, San Lorenzo, in Buenos Aires.
The White Sox snagged the World Series title in 2005, ending an 88-year championship drought.
Separately, it was revealed that Leo plays tennis and is an avid supporter of AS Roma soccer club. A senior member of his religious order, with whom he's known for four decades, disclosed this information.
Father Joseph Farrell, Vicar General of the Augustinians, shared, "He's a regular tennis player. He'd come up and play on our grounds at least once a week." Farrell also confirmed Leo's devotion to AS Roma.
Additional reporting by Reuters
Insights:- Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Prevost, has been a longtime fan of the Chicago White Sox, dating back at least two decades[1][2][3].- He attended Game 1 of the 2005 World Series at U.S. Cellular Field, where the White Sox were pitted against the Houston Astros. The pope was even spotted on the FOX broadcast, cheering for the team. The White Sox organization later paid tribute to him with a video after his election as pope[1][2][4].
- The Chicago White Sox's historian football-loving fanbase now includes a prestigious new member, Pope Leo XIV, who has openly expressed his affection for American-football, specifically the White Sox team.
- In addition to his passion for the Chicago White Sox, it appears Pope Leo XIV also carries an appreciation for the NFL, as it was revealed that he plays tennis and supports the AS Roma soccer club, showcasing his diverse interests in sports.
