Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff, recently went viral after delivering a playful, yet pointed, jab at Chicago Cubs fans following their 2025 playoff exit, unequivocally cementing his reputation as a die-hard Chicago White Sox loyalist and delighting fans across the South Side.
The hallowed grounds of St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City became the unlikely stage for a classic Chicago baseball rivalry moment recently, as Pope Leo XIV, the supreme pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, couldn’t resist a good-natured dig at the Chicago Cubs. Greeting throngs of admirers from his Popemobile, Pope Leo heard a faint cry of “Go Cubs!” from the crowd.
With a chuckle, the pontiff, known for his deep South Side roots and unwavering allegiance to the Chicago White Sox, delivered his witty retort. “Han perdido!” Pope Leo declared, before translating for the English-speaking crowd: “They lost!” The playful taunt was a direct reference to the Cubs’ recent playoff elimination by their rivals, the Milwaukee Brewers, in the National League Division Series.
South Side Roots, Unshakeable Allegiance
Born Robert Francis Prevost in 1955, Pope Leo XIV hails from the Chicago area, specifically growing up in the southern suburb of Dolton, Illinois. His election on May 8, 2025, as the first American-born pope, immediately sparked curiosity among Chicagoans: which baseball team did he support? The Cubs were quick to attempt to claim him, even lighting up the marquee outside Wrigley Field with “Hey Chicago, he’s a Cubs fan!”
However, this claim was swiftly debunked by his brother, John Prevost. “He was never, ever a Cubs fan, so I don’t know where that came from,” John told NBC Chicago. He clarified that while their mother was a Cubs fan and their father a St. Louis Cardinals fan, Robert made his own choice early on, firmly rooting for the White Sox. This deep-seated loyalty has been a consistent theme throughout his life, despite his adult years largely dedicated to serving the church overseas, particularly in Peru.
A Legacy of Loyalty: From Fan to World Leader
Pope Leo’s fandom is not a recent development. Footage shows a younger Robert Prevost, during his time as prior for the Order of Saint Augustine, attending Game 1 of the 2005 World Series at what is now Guaranteed Rate Field. That year, the White Sox ended an 88-year championship drought, winning their first MLB crown since 1917, a moment of immense pride for South Siders.
The White Sox have proudly embraced their papal fan. Inside Rate Field, near section 140, row 19, seat 2, fans can find a graphic installation marking Pope Leo’s historic seat for that pivotal 2005 game. Furthermore, the team has installed a mural featuring a picture of Prevost attending the World Series, alongside a framed White Sox jersey bearing “Pope Leo” on the nameplate and the number 14. These tributes are a testament to his enduring connection to the team and the city’s South Side. The team’s manager, Will Venable, has also expressed pride in having the pope on their side, calling it “a proud moment for Chicago.”
Beyond these official acknowledgments, Pope Leo has publicly displayed his allegiance numerous times. In June, he was seen wearing a White Sox hat over his zucchetto while blessing a couple at the Vatican. He’s also been filmed chanting “White Sox” with fans, demonstrating a relatable enthusiasm that resonates deeply within the fanbase.
The White Sox’s triumph in 2005 was a significant moment in their history, breaking a curse that rivaled the Cubs’ own. The 2005 championship saw the White Sox defeat the Houston Astros, as confirmed by official league reports from MLB.com, a memory Pope Leo XIV evidently cherishes.
Chicago’s Pope: A Source of Local Pride and Humor
The election of a Chicago native to the papacy unleashed a wave of local pride and quintessential Chicago humor. From “Da Pope!” blaring on the front of the Chicago Sun-Times to satirical headlines proclaiming “Conclave selects first Chicago-style Pope,” the city embraced the news with characteristic wit. Memes depicted stained-glass windows with Michael Jordan dunking, deep-dish communion wafers, and the pontiff swapping his zucchetto for a Bears cap.
This lighthearted engagement has fostered a unique connection between the Vatican and the Windy City. As theologian Ashley Lenz noted, there’s “a certain delight of seeing something sacred break into the ordinary. The idea of a pope who’s stood in line at Portillo’s or cheered on the Sox makes it all feel closer to home. It makes the papacy feel human again.” This sentiment underscores the profound impact Pope Leo’s Chicago identity has had, bridging the divine with the distinctly local.
Beyond Baseball: The Man Behind the Mitre
While his White Sox loyalty garners significant attention, Pope Leo XIV’s athletic interests extend beyond baseball. A graduate of Villanova University in 1977, he maintains a lifelong love for sports. He enjoys tennis and considers himself a casual player, though his new role has undoubtedly limited his time on the court. Additionally, Pope Leo has been a devoted follower of Alianza Lima, a well-known soccer team in Peru, where he spent much of his adult life serving the church.
Even with the global responsibilities of his office, Pope Leo XIV continues to find moments to celebrate his enduring connection to his Chicago roots, particularly through his beloved White Sox, proving that some loyalties run as deep as faith itself.
