As the World Welcomed Its First American Pope, Chicago Had One Burning Question: Cubs or Sox?
When Robert Francis Prevost was named Pope Leo XIV, Chicagoans couldn’t help but wonder: Which baseball team does the new pontiff cheer for—Cubs or Sox?
Born and raised in Chicago’s South Side, Pope Leo’s childhood was shaped by a house divided. His mother was a passionate Cubs fan from the North Side, while his father rooted for the St. Louis Cardinals. But, as his brother John Prevost revealed, the new pope made his allegiance clear early on—and it was never with the Cubs.
“Whoever said Cubs on the radio got it wrong,” John told WGN. “It’s Sox. He was never, ever a Cubs fan.”
South Side Pride
Pope Leo XIV, one of three brothers, grew up in Dolton, a suburb on the Far Southeast Side of Chicago. His early years were spent attending mass at St. Mary of the Assumption and forming connections to his beloved city, with sports always playing a significant role.
Though the pope now leads over 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, it’s clear that his roots on the diamond lie firmly with the South Side. As news of his baseball loyalty spread, the internet buzzed with excitement. The Cubs, eager to claim the first American pope as one of their own, posted an online tribute referencing legendary broadcaster Harry Caray’s famous call: “The good Lord wants the Cubs to win!”
But the South Side wasn’t having it.
The South Side Strikes Back
Almost immediately, the Chicago White Sox made their own move, sending a team jersey and cap directly to the Vatican with a cheeky message: “Family always knows best.” The team, who embraced their new papal connection, added: “It sounds like Pope Leo XIV’s lifelong fandom falls a little closer to 35th and Shields. Some things are bigger than baseball, but in this case, we’re glad to have a White Sox fan represented at the Vatican.”
A Lifelong Sports Fan
Despite his global responsibilities, Pope Leo has never forgotten his South Side roots or his love for sports. Before rising to the papacy, he made sure to show his devotion to the White Sox by attending the 2005 World Series at Guaranteed Rate Field, where he cheered on the team’s historic victory.
Pope Leo’s athletic passions don’t stop with baseball. He has always enjoyed tennis and even admitted in a 2023 interview that, although his papal duties leave him little free time, he’s eager to get back on the court after years of limited play. “Since leaving Peru, I have had few occasions to practice, so I am looking forward to getting back on the court,” he said with a smile.
And his love for sports extends beyond the U.S. As a former missionary in Peru, Pope Leo is also a long-time supporter of Alianza Lima, one of the country’s most popular soccer clubs.
A True South Sider at Heart
From the moment he stepped into the papacy, Pope Leo XIV’s ties to Chicago—and his devotion to the White Sox—remained undeniable. Whether on the diamond or the court, his love for sports reflects the same passion and commitment he has for his faith and his roots.
