The Chicago baseball scene buzzes with excitement regarding Pope Leo XIV’s true allegiance—Cubs or Sox—as both teams claim him amidst a backdrop of fierce local rivalry.
Papal Preferences: The Chicago Baseball Dilemma
Papal Preferences: The Chicago Baseball Dilemma
In a city divided by baseball loyalties, fans are curious about the allegiance of its new pope.
May 8, 2025, 7:25 p.m. ET
In a city where baseball fandom defines social circles, Chicago is abuzz with speculation surrounding the allegiance of its newly appointed pope, Leo XIV. With his roots in the Windy City, fans immediately wanted to know whether he supported the Chicago Cubs or the Chicago White Sox, two teams representing opposing sides of town. As tradition dictates, Cubs enthusiasts typically reside in the North Side, home to Wrigley Field, while their South Side counterparts pledge loyalty to the Sox, who play at Rate Field in Bridgeport. Suburban baseball fans find themselves navigating a complex allegiance landscape.
Initially, both camps laid claim to the pope’s support. The Cubs’ spokesperson refrained from confirming his fandom, yet Chicago Cubs executive chairman Tom Ricketts extended an invitation for the pontiff to attend a game at Wrigley. “Pope Leo XIV would be more than welcome at Wrigley Field,” Ricketts stated, even suggesting the pope could lend his voice to the iconic song ‘Take Me Out to the Ball Game.’ However, in a surprising twist, the electronic marquee at Wrigley later declared the pope a Cubs supporter.
But clarity came when the pope’s brother, John Prevost, intervened to set the record straight during an interview with WGN, a local television station known for its historic coverage of Cubs games. “He was never, ever a Cubs fan,” Prevost asserted with certainty. “So I don’t know where that came from. He was always a Sox fan.” As the city grapples with its divided loyalties, one thing is clear: the pope’s sporting preference adds a new layer to Chicago’s passionate baseball culture.
Julie Bosman is the Chicago bureau chief for The Times, writing and reporting stories from around the Midwest.
In a city where baseball fandom defines social circles, Chicago is abuzz with speculation surrounding the allegiance of its newly appointed pope, Leo XIV. With his roots in the Windy City, fans immediately wanted to know whether he supported the Chicago Cubs or the Chicago White Sox, two teams representing opposing sides of town. As tradition dictates, Cubs enthusiasts typically reside in the North Side, home to Wrigley Field, while their South Side counterparts pledge loyalty to the Sox, who play at Rate Field in Bridgeport. Suburban baseball fans find themselves navigating a complex allegiance landscape.
Initially, both camps laid claim to the pope’s support. The Cubs’ spokesperson refrained from confirming his fandom, yet Chicago Cubs executive chairman Tom Ricketts extended an invitation for the pontiff to attend a game at Wrigley. “Pope Leo XIV would be more than welcome at Wrigley Field,” Ricketts stated, even suggesting the pope could lend his voice to the iconic song ‘Take Me Out to the Ball Game.’ However, in a surprising twist, the electronic marquee at Wrigley later declared the pope a Cubs supporter.
But clarity came when the pope’s brother, John Prevost, intervened to set the record straight during an interview with WGN, a local television station known for its historic coverage of Cubs games. “He was never, ever a Cubs fan,” Prevost asserted with certainty. “So I don’t know where that came from. He was always a Sox fan.” As the city grapples with its divided loyalties, one thing is clear: the pope’s sporting preference adds a new layer to Chicago’s passionate baseball culture.
Julie Bosman is the Chicago bureau chief for The Times, writing and reporting stories from around the Midwest.
