As the world celebrated the election of the first American pope, a lighthearted but pressing question captured the attention of Chicagoans: Is he a Cubs or White Sox fan?
Robert Francis Prevost, now known as Pope Leo XIV, was born in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood and grew up in the southern suburbs. His childhood home was one of divided baseball loyalties — his mother, a passionate Cubs supporter from the city’s North Side, and his father, a devoted fan of the St. Louis Cardinals.
This divide in allegiances to local baseball teams seemed to set the stage for an interesting decision for young Robert. However, Pope Leo XIV, in his early years, didn’t follow in either parent’s footsteps when it came to baseball. According to his brother, John Prevost, Pope Leo made his own decision early on, choosing to support the White Sox over both the Cubs and Cardinals.
“Whoever said Cubs on the radio got it wrong,” John told WGN in an interview. “It’s Sox. He was never, ever a Cubs fan.” This statement cleared up a mystery that many Chicagoans had long pondered: What team did Pope Leo XIV actually root for? With John’s candid confession, the truth about the pope’s baseball loyalty couldn’t have been clearer — he is proudly a South Side supporter.
Pope Leo XIV has two brothers, John and Louis. Louis, a military veteran, currently lives in Florida, while John remains in Chicago and recently cleared up the long-running speculation surrounding the Pope’s baseball allegiance. John, a former Catholic school principal, shared that the pontiff’s love for the White Sox is rooted in his formative years, growing up in Dolton and frequently attending Mass at St. Mary of the Assumption on Chicago’s Far Southeast Side. While Pope Leo XIV’s life has since evolved to a global scale, his ties to Chicago remain unbroken.
The White Sox Take the Final Word
The news of Pope Leo XIV’s baseball preference quickly made waves online, especially after the Chicago Cubs attempted to align themselves with the newly elected pope. Just hours after his selection, the team shared a tribute on social media, quoting legendary Cubs broadcaster Harry Caray: “The good Lord wants the Cubs to win!”
Fans of the White Sox, however, were quick to point out the mix-up, and thanks to John Prevost’s clarification, the truth about the Pope’s White Sox fandom was now irrefutable. The public debate about the new pope’s team loyalty took on a life of its own.
“Family always knows best,” the White Sox proudly stated in response to the mix-up. “And 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.”
In a heartfelt and playful nod to the new pope’s roots, the White Sox organization sent an official team jersey and cap straight to the Vatican. It was an acknowledgment of the pontiff’s connection to the South Side of Chicago, with the team celebrating the link between the papacy and their loyal fanbase.
Pope Leo XIV’s South Side Roots
Pope Leo XIV spent his formative years in the suburb of Dolton, a working-class community just outside of Chicago. Growing up in a home where both the Catholic faith and sports were central, his early experiences shaped the person he would become. As a regular attendee at St. Mary of the Assumption, a Catholic parish on the Far Southeast Side, Leo XIV’s South Side roots have remained a central part of his identity throughout his life.
During a Thursday press conference, Sister Barbara Reid, president of the Catholic Theological Union, where Prevost once studied, spoke highly of him. “He’s an exceptional individual with a sharp mind and a heart expansive enough to embrace the entire world, especially those living on the margins,” she said. Her words reflected the larger view of Pope Leo XIV as a person who maintains both intellectual rigor and deep compassion for those in need.
Though much of his adult life has been devoted to serving the Church overseas, particularly in Peru, Pope Leo XIV has always remained connected to his Chicago roots. His lifelong devotion to the South Side sports teams, especially the White Sox, serves as a reflection of the unbroken bond he has with his home city. No matter how far his journey has taken him, his loyalty to his birthplace and the teams that define it has never wavered.
Pope Leo XIV’s Favorite Soccer Team
Pope Leo XIV’s love for sports goes beyond baseball. Having been raised in a sports-centric environment, Robert Prevost took an interest in several athletic pursuits throughout his life. His passion for sports extended far beyond his childhood years. As a graduate of Villanova University in 1977, Pope Leo XIV proudly demonstrated his South Side allegiance by attending the 2005 World Series at Guaranteed Rate Field to support the Chicago White Sox.
His athletic interests also include tennis, and he has described himself as an amateur player, although his papacy has left him with little time for the sport. “Since leaving Peru, I haven’t had many chances to play, so I’m hoping to return to the court soon — though this new role hasn’t exactly given me much free time,” he remarked in a 2023 interview.
Pope Leo XIV’s connection to Peru is also evident in his support for soccer. In addition to his love for baseball and tennis, he is a devoted fan of Alianza Lima, a prominent soccer team in Peru. His interest in the team reflects not only his time spent serving in Peru but also his deep appreciation for the sports culture of the country. This side of Pope Leo XIV is a testament to his balanced lifestyle and his ability to embrace the diversity of the world.
A Personal Connection to Chicago and Sports
While Pope Leo XIV is now the spiritual leader of over 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, his personal history and love for sports bring a sense of relatability to his papacy. Chicago’s South Side, with its passionate baseball fans and close-knit communities, has shaped much of his character, and that connection has stayed with him as he ascended to the papacy. For many, it’s refreshing to see that despite his global responsibilities, Pope Leo XIV has remained grounded in his Chicago upbringing and sports allegiances.
Whether he is attending a White Sox game or expressing his love for tennis, Pope Leo XIV demonstrates that even the most high-ranking religious leaders have personal interests and preferences that tie them to their roots. These aspects of his life humanize him, reminding the world that he is, at his core, an individual shaped by the same experiences as millions of others.
As Pope Leo XIV’s papacy continues, it’s likely that his love for sports, especially baseball, will remain a topic of interest for those curious about the man behind the title. His connection to the South Side of Chicago and his devotion to the White Sox serve as a reminder that no matter where life takes us, our origins and the passions that shaped us remain with us.
Conclusion: A Pope With Deep Chicago Roots
Pope Leo XIV’s journey from the South Side of Chicago to the Vatican is a testament to the lasting power of one’s roots. His loyalty to the White Sox, along with his love for tennis and soccer, offers a glimpse into the personal life of a man who has become a global leader.
As the first American pope, his personal history has fascinated many, and his unwavering connection to his hometown serves as an inspiration. Whether it’s cheering for the White Sox or supporting a soccer team in Peru, Pope Leo XIV’s multifaceted personality and his enduring commitment to his roots highlight the depth of the man who now leads the Catholic Church.
