Cubs or Sox? Chicago Asks

As the world celebrated its first American pope, Chicagoans had one burning question: Cubs or Sox?

Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, grew up in a divided house. His mother, from Chicago’s North Side, rooted for the Cubs. His father, loyal to the St. Louis Cardinals, pulled the family in another direction.

But Pope Leo made his own call early.

“Whoever said Cubs on the radio got it wrong,” his brother John Prevost told WGN. “It’s Sox. He was never, ever a Cubs fan.”

Family Settles the Debate

Pope Leo has two brothers, Louis and John. Louis, a military veteran, lives in Florida. John, a former Catholic school principal, proudly set the record straight about the Pope’s baseball loyalties.

So while Pope Leo now leads 1.4 billion Catholics, his baseball heart has always stayed local. He’s a South Sider at heart.

White Sox Celebrate Their Fan

The news sparked buzz on social media. The Cubs quickly tried to claim the new pope by posting a tribute:

“The good Lord wants the Cubs to win!”

But the South Side struck back.

The White Sox wasted no time. They sent a team jersey and cap straight to the Vatican.

“Family always knows best,” the Sox told NBC Chicago. “It sounds like Pope Leo’s fandom falls a little closer to 35th and Shields. Some things are bigger than baseball, but we’re glad to have a White Sox fan at the Vatican.”

Sports Loyalty Runs Deep

Pope Leo spent his childhood in Dolton and regularly attended mass at St. Mary of the Assumption on Chicago’s Far Southeast Side.

At a press conference, Sister Barbara Reid, president of the Catholic Theological Union, praised him:

“He has a keen intellect and a heart as big as the world, especially for people on the margins.”

Even after years abroad, especially in Peru, Pope Leo has held tight to his Chicago roots — and his sports loyalties.

Soccer and Tennis, Too

A 1977 Villanova graduate, Pope Leo has long loved sports.

Before rising to the papacy, he cheered on the Sox at the 2005 World Series at Guaranteed Rate Field.

Beyond baseball, he enjoys tennis. In a 2023 interview, he admitted:

“Since leaving Peru, I’ve had few chances to play, but I’m looking forward to getting back on the court — not that this new job has left me much free time.”

He’s also a devoted supporter of Alianza Lima, a major Peruvian soccer club.