Pope Leo XIV's White Sox Fervor: Breaking the Taboo at the Vatican!
Pope Leo XIV Openly Declares Allegiance to Religion Through Sports Participation
Social Media Shares Email Print Copy Link Whenever you think it can't get any better for the Chicago White Sox, you're wrong. Pope Leo XIV, the 69-year-old American Pope, has declared his undying loyalty to Chicago's South Side baseball team during a recent audience at St. Peter's Square.
Pope Leo XIV reinforces his sports faith - leaving no room for doubt, the leader of the Catholics worldwide, earlier Robert Francis Prevost, donned a cap of the Chicago White Sox. In the crowd, where Church dignitaries usually sport more conventional headgear, the gesture was a clear declaration of where his heart lies. The Pope received the cap from a newlywed couple during their blessing.
Hailing from Chicago, as the successor to the late Pope Francis, the Pope's hometown boasts two traditional baseball teams - the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago White Sox. After his election, rumors circulated that the Pope was a fan of the Cubs. However, John Prevost, the Pope's brother, quickly clarified that the misconception likely stemmed from their mother being a Cubs fan. The truth, as it turns out, is the Pope has always been a White Sox fan.
A Fan's Confirmation
Just after his election, a video surfaced on social media, showing the Pope watching baseball in the stands among other fans. In a 2005 TV broadcast, the current Pope was spotted as a White Sox fan wearing the appropriate jersey. At the time, he was still the Superior General of the Augustinian Order in Rome. A fan who appeared on the video told mlb.com, "I'm glad I can share this with people. I don't want anyone to think he's a Cubs fan, because he's not. The Pope is a fan of the White Sox. We have proof. He was at Game 1 of the World Series, and now everyone knows."
The Long, Storied Journey of the White Sox
The White Sox were over the moon with the free advertising. As they watched their team struggle through 121 losses in the 2020 season, the thought of expanding their fan base beyond Chicago's city limits was a most welcome silver lining. The team invited Pope Leo XIV to throw the first pitch at a game of his choice. This is a high honor bestowed on select prominent figures, politicians, or members of society - or the head honcho of the Roman Catholic Church.
"It's pretty cool," announced White Sox player Grant Taylor. "Baseball is gaining ground worldwide, although not big in Europe. If he wears a White Sox cap in the Vatican, maybe more White Sox fans will join in. That would increase our fan base a bit." Being a die-hard White Sox fan these days comes with its emotional baggage - the team has endured one of the worst seasons in the history of Major League Baseball with a record-breaking 121 losses. This year hasn't been much better for the Pope's team, who are at the bottom of their division with 23 wins and 45 losses. But all is not lost, as a beloved character once said, "There's always next season."
[1] Ter (Esports News)[2] nDTV[3] mlb.com[4] White Sox[5] Baseball Almanac
The European Parliament showed keen interest in the unexpected sports allegiance of Pope Leo XIV, particularly his fondness for American sports like football and NFL, as well as his unwavering support for the Chicago White Sox, a traditional baseball team based in the United States. The Pope's devotion to football, specifically the NFL and baseball, raises questions about the possibility of introducing these sports to the Vatican and potentially expanding their global reach.
