Pope Leo XIV: A Chicago Native’s Allegiance Divided?

The world watched as Robert Prevost was elected Pope Leo XIV on Thursday, marking the second day of deliberations at the papal conclave. This historic moment welcomes the first American pope, a Chicago native whose roots are now subject to fervent speculation, particularly within the realm of sports. While the new pontiff’s official stance on athletic teams remains undisclosed, his hometown allegiances are already a hot topic, with local teams vying for his favor.

At 69 years old, soon to turn 70 on September 14th, Pope Leo XIV’s connection to Chicago is undeniable. His academic background further fuels the sporting interest. He is an alumnus of Villanova University, a fact celebrated by New York Knicks fans who proudly boast of their team’s star players, many of whom are former Villanova Wildcats. This Villanova connection strongly suggests a college basketball allegiance.

Extending beyond college hoops, it’s reasonable to assume Pope Leo XIV may also support Chicago’s professional sports teams: the Bears (NFL), the Bulls (NBA), and the Blackhawks (NHL). However, the complexities arise when considering Major League Baseball. Chicago is home to two iconic teams, the Cubs and the White Sox, creating a divided fan base. The question remains: which team holds the true allegiance of Pope Leo XIV?

Both the Cubs and the White Sox have seemingly launched campaigns to claim the Pope as one of their own. A Chicago priest has reportedly stated that the Pope is a Cubs fan. However, this claim is countered by the Pope’s own brother, according to a video posted by the White Sox. To further complicate matters, an image has surfaced, seemingly showing the Pope attending the 2005 World Series between the White Sox and the Houston Astros. This visual evidence could suggest a leaning towards the White Sox, given the significance of attending a World Series game, especially one featuring a hometown team.

The article also touches upon Pope Leo XIV’s background prior to his election. He was brought to the Vatican by Pope Francis in January 2023, to serve as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops. This role is considered one of the most critical within the Catholic Church, as it involves the vetting of bishop nominations worldwide. His appointment highlights the trust and confidence Pope Francis placed in him.

Further solidifying his position within the Church hierarchy, Pope Francis elevated him to the position of Cardinal in September 2023. Reports indicate that Pope Leo XIV aligned closely with Pope Francis’ teachings, particularly regarding environmental issues, outreach to the poor and migrants, and efforts to make the Catholic Church more inclusive. These shared values likely played a significant role in his ascent within the Church.

Interestingly, Pope Leo XIV gained Peruvian citizenship in 2015, where he resided until his move to the Vatican in 2023. During his time in Peru, he also served as vice president of the permanent council of the Peruvian Bishops’ Conference from 2018 to 2023. This experience likely contributed to his qualifications for the role of prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops under Pope Francis. His dedication to service and his international experience make him a unique and compelling figure as the new Pope.

The article concludes by acknowledging the contributions of Fox News’ Caitlin McFall and The Associated Press to the report.

The papal conclave’s decision to elect Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV has not only ushered in a new era for the Catholic Church but has also sparked a fascinating debate regarding the new pontiff’s sports affiliations. His ties to Villanova University strongly suggest a passion for basketball, and his Chicago roots naturally lead to speculation about his potential allegiance to the city’s major sports teams.

While it’s reasonable to assume he might support the Bears, Bulls, and Blackhawks, the ambiguity surrounding his MLB preference remains a subject of intense speculation. Both the Cubs and the White Sox are actively vying for his support, presenting conflicting evidence and anecdotes to bolster their claims. The priest’s statement favoring the Cubs is countered by the Pope’s brother’s suggestion of White Sox allegiance. The emergence of the photo from the 2005 World Series adds another layer of intrigue, potentially leaning towards the White Sox, yet leaving room for interpretation.

Ultimately, Pope Leo XIV’s sporting preferences remain shrouded in a degree of mystery, adding a touch of human interest to the momentous occasion of his election. Whether he chooses to reveal his allegiances or maintain a neutral stance, his connection to Chicago ensures that his hometown teams will continue to follow his papacy with particular interest. His time in Peru and previous roles within the church are interesting, but the burning question remains which baseball team he likes the most. Until he chooses to take a side, if ever, the city of Chicago will be in a tug-of-war over who he supports.