Pope Leo XIV, a native of Chicago and formerly known as Cardinal Robert Prevost, proudly supports the White Sox.
Despite claims made by the Chicago Cubs, it was confirmed shortly after Leo’s election that he was a devoted White Sox fan during his upbringing, as confirmed by his brother and photographic evidence of his attendance at a 2005 World Series game.
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Recently, Sox on 35th blogger Joe Binder discovered footage of Leo in the crowd during Game 1 of the World Series. He appeared slightly tense as White Sox closer Bobby Jenks secured a 5-3 victory over the Houston Astros.
The White Sox later went on to sweep the Astros and claim their first World Series title in 88 years.
These are the intriguing details that emerge when an American is elected as pope for the first time in history.
Pope Leo XIV is a devoted White Sox fan. It’s still surreal to say that. (Photo by Simone Risoluti – Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty Images)
(Vatican Pool via Getty Images)
Initially, there was uncertainty regarding Leo’s baseball allegiance following his election. While it was assumed he might support various Chicago teams, including his alma mater Villanova University, an erroneous report from ABC News led many to believe he was a Cubs fan, a misconception even adopted by the Cubs themselves.
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However, Leo’s brother later clarified to WGN News that his loyalty always lay with the White Sox:
“He was never, ever a Cubs fan, so I don’t know where that came from. He was always a Sox fan. Our mother was a Cubs fan. I don’t know, maybe that clued in there, and our dad was a Cardinals fan, so I don’t know where that all came from.”
The White Sox were still basking in their victory the next day.
It remains to be seen if Leo will make history as the first pope to throw the first pitch at an MLB game.