Pope Leo XIV might be settling into his papal duties in Vatican City, but back in the U.S., fans are digging into his sports past. He’s the first American pope who didn’t leave his fandom behind. Here’s a look at the teams and sports the new pope is rooting for.
Chicago White Sox
Credit: Facebook
Despite early confusion, the pope’s loyalties are firmly stitched into black and white pinstripes. He was raised in the southern suburb of Dolton and grew up rooting for the White Sox. Friends confirm he followed the team through their 2005 World Series run and attended games with fellow South Side loyalists.
Villanova Men’s Basketball
Credit: Facebook
Before Vatican robes, there were Wildcats jerseys. Pope Leo XIV earned his math degree at Villanova and publicly supported the basketball team’s 2016 national title win. He retweeted a celebration post, and NCAA March Madness even joked that Villanova now had official Vatican representation.
St. Rita High School Baseball
Credit: stritahs
This one’s personal. In the ’80s, the pope taught physics and math at St. Rita of Cascia High School in Chicago. In 2014, he supported the school’s baseball team during their championship bid. That connection earned him cheers from students the moment his papacy was announced.
New York Knicks (Sort of)
Credit: Instagram
The pope isn’t known to follow the NBA closely, but Knicks fans claim spiritual support anyway. Why? Because Villanova alumni Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart are key players on the current Knicks roster. Even director Spike Lee joked that the Knicks might be blessed this season.
Chicago Bears
Credit: Facebook
Speculation links the pope to the Bears. He’s a lifelong South Sider, and the Bears are as much a staple in Chicago as deep dish. Fans now wonder if he’ll weigh in on rookie quarterback Caleb Williams’ development—or leave that to divine timing.
St. Rita Football
Credit: X
Pope Leo XIV supported the gridiron closer to home. During his teaching days at St. Rita, he showed support for more than just baseball. Alumni say he was an all-around presence who showed up for multiple sports, including the school’s football program.
Cubs (By Family, Not Choice)
Credit: Instagram
Though he never rooted for them, the Cubs still come up in family history. The pope’s mother was from the North Side and cheered for the Cubs. His brother John told ABC that the future pope “was never, ever a Cubs fan”—but tolerated the family’s loyalties gracefully.
MLB in General
Credit: X
The pope’s roots in baseball go deep. From youth to adulthood, he stayed connected to the game, whether as a fan in the stands or cheering on high school players from the sidelines. His long history with America’s pastime makes baseball the most emotionally consistent sport in his orbit.
Cardinals (The Other Kind)
Credit: Instagram
No, not St. Louis. The pope’s father was a Cardinals fan. It’s unclear if the future pope followed his dad’s lead briefly or resisted out of Sox loyalty, but either way, baseball banter clearly ran strong in the Prevost household growing up.
South Side Baseball Culture
Credit: X
His fandom isn’t just about team names. The pope’s love for the White Sox connects deeply to the community culture of the South Side, where blue-collar fans bring intensity and pride. The tradition also shaped his early sports views.
