On Thursday, the announcement of Robert Prevost as the new Pope, officially Pope Leo XIV, stirred excitement in Chicago. Prevost, hailing from the city, succeeds Pope Francis, who died in April 2025 at the age of 88. This marked a historic moment as Prevost became the first American-born Pope. Following his election, the Chicago Cubs congratulated him with a humorous tweet claiming he was a Cubs fan. In response, the Chicago White Sox playfully countered, sharing a video of Prevost’s brother asserting that Pope Leo XIV had always supported the White Sox, along with a similar messaging referencing their home field, Rate Field. Additionally, images of Prevost attending a White Sox game during the 2005 World Series emerged, suggesting his allegiance to the team. The debate over which Chicago team he actually supports continues, with even Angels player Zach Neto jokingly claiming Pope Leo XIV might prefer the Los Angeles Angels instead. The playful rivalry and fan speculation surrounding the new Pope’s loyalties reflect the deeply ingrained sports culture in Chicago. Overall, the election of Pope Leo XIV not only marked a significant religious milestone but also ignited lighthearted sports banter among fans.
