Background on the Chicago Baseball Rivalry
Chicago is famously divided between two Major League Baseball teams: the Chicago Cubs (“Cachorros”) and the Chicago White Sox (“Medias Blancas”). This division stems from geographical differences, with the Cubs representing the North Side and the White Sox embodying the South Side.
The New Pope and His Baseball Allegiance
With the recent election of Pope Leo XIV, Chicagoans are eager to know which team he supports. The question has sparked curiosity and debate among fans.
Reactions from Chicago’s Religious and Baseball Communities
Father Gregory Sakowicz, rector of the Cathedral of the Holy Name in Chicago, expressed surprise at the new Pope’s appointment. He mentioned that Pope Leo XIV might be a strong advocate for immigrants, human rights, and environmental care.
When asked about the Pope’s baseball allegiance, Father Sakowicz shared that he had heard rumors the new Pope supports the Cubs. “That would be wonderful if true,” he added.
The Cubs’ Claim and Invitation
In response to the Pope’s election, the Chicago Cubs tweeted congratulations and a picture of Wrigley Field with the caption, “Hey, Chicago. He’s a Cubs fan!” The team’s president of baseball operations, Tom Ricketts, went a step further in an official statement:
We’d welcome Pope Leo XIV to Wrigley Field, and maybe even have him sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" during the 7th-inning stretch! #Cubs
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs)
Ricketts also extended an invitation for the Pope to deliver a “sermon from the mound” at the ballpark.
Clarification from Pope Leo XIV’s Family
Local Chicago television station WGN interviewed Pope Leo XIV’s brother, John Prevost, who clarified the baseball allegiance question. According to Prevost, the new Pope is indeed a fan of the White Sox.
John Prevost, brother of Pope Leo XIV, confirms that the new Pontiff has always been a #WhiteSox fan. "He never followed the Cubs; it’s always been the Sox."
Via @WGNNews— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox)
The White Sox responded with a statement:
Some things are bigger than baseball, and in this case, we’re thrilled to have a #WhiteSox fan represented in the #Vatican. A White Sox jersey and cap are on their way to Rome, and of course, the Pope is always welcome at his favorite ballpark.
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox)
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: Which baseball team does Pope Leo XIV support? A: According to his brother, John Prevost, Pope Leo XIV is a fan of the Chicago White Sox.
- Q: How did the rumor that Pope Leo XIV supports the Cubs start? A: The origin of this rumor is unclear, but it may have stemmed from the Cubs’ eagerness to welcome the new Pope.
- Q: What invitations did the Cubs extend to Pope Leo XIV? A: The Cubs invited the Pope to Wrigley Field, where he could participate in singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” and deliver a sermon from the mound.
- Q: How did the White Sox respond to the rumor that Pope Leo XIV supports their rivals, the Cubs? A: The White Sox confirmed that Pope Leo XIV is indeed a fan of their team and expressed delight at having a Vatican representative supporting them.
