Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff and a proud Chicago native, recently solidified his status as a relatable leader by boldly shutting down a Cubs heckler during a Vatican parade, showcasing his lifelong dedication to the White Sox and bringing a unique blend of spiritual authority and hometown sports passion to the global stage.
The election of Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, marked a historic moment as he became the first American to ascend to the papacy. Beyond the theological implications and his progressive stance, Leo XIV has quickly captivated global attention with his distinctly human and undeniably Chicagoan identity, especially his fierce loyalty to the Chicago White Sox. This unique blend of sacred duty and hometown sports passion was on full display during a recent Vatican parade, proving that even the Holy See isn’t immune to the spirited rivalries of Major League Baseball.
The Papal Conclave and a Surprise Election
The selection of Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV was notably swift, concluding after only four rounds of voting. Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster, described the new pontiff’s reaction to accepting the papacy as “very matter of factly,” noting “no real emotion” as he “took it all in his stride,” according to an interview with The Daily Mail. This composed demeanor, however, belies a vibrant personality shaped by his Chicago upbringing.
His choice of name, Leo XIV, carries significant weight, evoking the historical gravitas of Pope Leo I, who famously confronted Attila the Hun, and Pope Leo XIII, a pivotal figure in Catholic social justice. Widely seen as part of the church’s more progressive wing, Leo XIV is expected to bring a dynamic approach to the papacy, not being afraid of “tyrants,” a comment Nichols hinted might allude to President Donald Trump, whose policies Leo XIV had previously criticized on social media.
“Da Pope!”: Chicago Embraces Its Own
Upon his election, Chicago erupted in a wave of local pride and characteristic humor. The city’s unique accent and cultural tropes, immortalized in “Saturday Night Live” sketches, quickly found their way into papal memes and jokes. Newspaper headlines like “Da Pope!” blared across the Chicago Sun-Times, reflecting the city’s delight. Satirical outlets like The Onion joined in, proclaiming “Conclave selects first Chicago-style pope,” complete with an image of the pontiff encased in a poppyseed bun.
This outpouring of humor extended to imagining papal life with a Chicago twist: the Popemobile as the Dodge Monaco from “The Blues Brothers,” deep-dish communion wafers, and the beloved Italian beef sandwiches from Portillo’s replacing communion bread. The sheer volume of fan-created content, from dyed-green Chicago River memes to references to local legends like Mike Ditka, underscored the profound connection Chicagoans felt to their new, local pontiff. Ashley Lenz, a Chicago theologian, aptly noted the “delight of seeing something sacred break into the ordinary,” making the papacy feel “human again.”
The Unmistakable White Sox Loyalty
One of the most defining and enthusiastically debated aspects of Pope Leo XIV’s Chicago identity has been his baseball allegiance. Initially, there was some speculation he might favor the Chicago Cubs. However, his brother quickly clarified the record: the pontiff is a lifelong fan of the Chicago White Sox, despite his mother’s Cubs loyalty and his father’s support for the Cardinals. This revelation was met with humor and pride on the South Side, though Cubs fans in Wrigleyville still embraced the memes, with some even asking for Cubs jerseys bearing Pope Leo XIV’s name.
His loyalty to the White Sox is well-documented, with evidence even emerging of him cheering for his team at the 2005 World Series before his ascension to the papacy. Since becoming Pope, he has not shied away from this passion, famously wearing a White Sox hat during a general audience, endearing him further to sports fans globally and especially in his hometown.
“They Lost!”: The Viral Moment
The fusion of papal authority and baseball rivalry reached its peak during a recent Vatican parade. As Pope Leo XIV passed by in the Popemobile, a brave attendee, clearly a Cubs fan, dared to yell, “Go Cubs!” The pontiff’s response was swift and definitive. Pointing directly at the man, Leo XIV retorted in both Spanish and English: “Han perdido! They lost!” This unscripted moment immediately went viral, delighting White Sox fans and sparking further conversation about the Pope’s relatable persona. His favorite team, the Chicago White Sox, even shared a celebratory post on social media following the incident.
The incident highlighted the spirited nature of baseball fandom, especially in Chicago, and showcased that Leo XIV’s authority extends beyond the sacred to encompass his personal passions. The Cubs, it should be noted, had recently been eliminated in a five-game NLDS against the Milwaukee Brewers, making the Pope’s jab particularly poignant and timely for Chicago baseball fans. This moment, reported by Yahoo Sports, instantly became a defining characteristic of his early papacy.
Beyond Baseball: A Papacy Forged in Faith and Chicago Grit
While his baseball banter provides a refreshing glimpse into his personality, Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate is deeply rooted in significant theological and social justice commitments. During a visit to St. Paul Outside the Walls Basilica, he delivered a homily emphasizing “grace, faith, and justification,” entrusting his pontificate to the intercession of St. Paul. He underscored that “salvation does not come about by magic but by a mysterious interplay of grace and faith,” echoing the profound messages of figures like St. Augustine and St. Benedict.
This commitment to spiritual depth, combined with his progressive leanings and outspoken nature, suggests a papacy that will engage with the modern world both seriously and, at times, with a distinct, relatable flair. His ability to connect with the faithful on both spiritual and mundane levels – from profound homilies to playful sports rivalries – marks a new chapter for the Catholic Church, making the papacy feel more accessible and human to a global audience.
Ultimately, Pope Leo XIV’s journey from the South Side of Chicago to the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, complete with a lifelong dedication to the White Sox, underscores a pontiff who is not only a spiritual leader but also a man of his roots. His unapologetic passion for his hometown team, exemplified by his sharp retort to a Cubs fan, ensures that his papacy will be remembered not just for its doctrinal and social justice reforms, but also for its refreshing authenticity and distinct Chicago grit.
