A Holy Alliance with the South Side: Pope Leo XIV’s True Baseball Allegiance Revealed

The world watched with bated breath as Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, ascended to the papacy, marking a historic moment as the first American to hold the esteemed position. As is often the case with figures of such global prominence, curiosity piqued about the details of his life before the Vatican. Inevitably, the question arose: what sports team does the new pontiff root for?

Given Pope Leo XIV’s Chicago roots, the answer seemed simple: either the Cubs or the White Sox. Chicago is a city deeply divided when it comes to baseball fandom, a rivalry that’s as ingrained in the city’s identity as deep-dish pizza and the Magnificent Mile. The Pope’s origins on the South Side of Chicago, historically considered White Sox territory, initially suggested a loyalty to the South Siders. However, the allure of the Cubs, a team with a vast national following and iconic ballpark, could have swayed the young Prevost in either direction.

Initially, speculation swirled, fueled by an ABC News report that suggested Pope Leo XIV was indeed a Cubs fan. This declaration quickly gained traction, and the Cubs organization, eager to embrace the new pontiff as one of their own, even displayed a congratulatory message on the iconic Wrigley Field marquee, declaring him a Cubs fan. The image of the Pope, a figure of immense spiritual authority, seemingly aligned with the "Lovable Losers" who had finally broken their century-long curse in 2016, was irresistible.

However, this narrative soon faced a challenge. As often happens in the age of instant information, a more authoritative source emerged: Pope Leo XIV’s own brother, John Prevost. In an interview with WGN TV, John emphatically refuted the initial reports, setting the record straight on his brother’s baseball allegiance.

"He was never, ever a Cubs fan. So I don’t know where that came from. He was always a Sox fan," John Prevost declared, dispelling the rumors and confirming the Pope’s lifelong loyalty to the White Sox.

John went on to reveal that while the brothers grew up on the South Side, the household was not entirely united in its baseball fandom. Their mother was a Cubs fan, while their father was a devoted follower of the St. Louis Cardinals, adding a layer of complexity to the family’s sporting loyalties. Despite this, the future Pope’s allegiance to the White Sox remained unwavering.

The revelation that Pope Leo XIV was a White Sox fan, not a Cubs fan, created a stir. The Cubs organization, having publicly embraced the Pope as one of their own, found themselves in an awkward position. The image of the Wrigley Field marquee proclaiming the Pope’s Cubs fandom, now proven false, became a symbol of the perils of jumping to conclusions in the age of instant information.

For Cubs fans, the news was undoubtedly disappointing. The idea of having the Pope as a celebrity fan was a tempting prospect, a chance to bask in the reflected glory of his spiritual authority. However, for White Sox fans, the revelation was a cause for celebration. To have the Pope, a man of immense global influence, declare his allegiance to the South Side team was a significant victory.

The timing of the Pope’s declaration, however, was not ideal for White Sox fans. The team was mired in a historically awful 2024 season, languishing at the bottom of the AL Central with one of the worst records in baseball. The irony of having the Pope, a figure of hope and inspiration, aligned with a team struggling so mightily was not lost on anyone.

Despite the White Sox’s struggles, the Pope’s fandom offered a glimmer of hope for the team’s loyal supporters. Perhaps his presence, even from afar, could bring a touch of divine intervention to the team’s fortunes. Maybe his prayers could help the White Sox turn their season around and bring joy back to the South Side.

The Pope’s true baseball allegiance is a reminder that even figures of immense global importance have roots and connections to the everyday world. His love for the White Sox, a team that represents the South Side of Chicago, connects him to the city and its people in a tangible way. It also highlights the power of sports to unite people, even across cultural and religious divides.

The Pope’s choice of the White Sox is a testament to the enduring power of local identity and the unwavering loyalty of sports fans. It’s a reminder that even in the face of global fame and spiritual authority, some allegiances remain strong. Whether his team is winning or losing, Pope Leo XIV remains a White Sox fan at heart, a loyal son of the South Side. His story serves as a reminder that even the most extraordinary individuals have ordinary passions, and that even the Pope can find solace and inspiration in the simple joy of baseball.