As the world celebrated the historic election of the first American pope, Chicagoans couldn’t help but focus on a local debate that quickly took on a life of its own: was Pope Leo XIV a Cubs fan or a White Sox fan?

Born Robert Francis Prevost in the Bronzeville neighborhood of Chicago and raised in the city’s southern suburbs, the new pope grew up in a home with split baseball loyalties. His mother, a die-hard Cubs supporter from the North Side, proudly waved the blue W flag, while his father remained loyal to the St. Louis Cardinals. But as his brother John Prevost recently revealed, Pope Leo made his own decision about baseball fandom early in life—and it definitely wasn’t the Cubs. “Whoever said Cubs on the radio got it wrong,” John told WGN. “It’s Sox.

He was never, ever a Cubs fan.” That simple statement from his brother cleared up any confusion and gave Chicago’s South Siders a big reason to celebrate. Pope Leo XIV, who has two brothers—John, a former Catholic school principal, and Louis, a military veteran now living in Florida—may now lead 1.4 billion Catholics around the globe, but his love for the White Sox makes it clear his heart has always belonged to Chicago’s South Side. As news of the pope’s lifelong White Sox allegiance spread, it caused a stir on social media, especially after the Chicago Cubs tried to claim him as one of their own.

In a good-natured but ultimately mistaken move, the Cubs posted a tribute online within hours of his election, referencing iconic broadcaster Harry Caray’s famous line: “The good Lord wants the Cubs to win!” But in true South Side fashion, the White Sox had the final word. They responded quickly and confidently, sending a team jersey and cap directly to the Vatican, embracing their unexpected but holy connection. “Family always knows best,” the White Sox said in a statement to NBC Chicago. “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.” Pope Leo’s ties to Chicago run deep. He spent his childhood in Dolton, a suburb south of the city, and regularly attended mass at St. Mary of the Assumption Church on Chicago’s Far Southeast Side.

Despite having spent many years serving the Catholic Church overseas, especially in Peru, he has never lost touch with his hometown roots or the sports teams that helped shape his early years. Sister Barbara Reid, president of the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, where Prevost once studied, praised his compassionate nature and strong intellect during a press conference. “He’s an extraordinary person with a very keen intellect, a heart as big as the whole world, especially for the people who most are on the margins,” she said. Though Pope Leo’s new role demands global attention, he remains connected to his personal passions. A 1977 graduate of Villanova University, he has long held a deep appreciation for sports. In 2005, he proudly attended the World Series at Guaranteed Rate Field to cheer on the White Sox during their championship season, a memory that surely stands out among his many life experiences. His love for athletics isn’t limited to baseball. Pope Leo has also expressed a fondness for tennis, calling himself a casual player. In a 2023 interview, he humorously admitted that while he enjoys the sport, his schedule hasn’t allowed much time to play lately. “Since leaving Peru I have had few occasions to practice, so I am looking forward to getting back on the court,” he said. “Not that this new job has left me much free time for it so far.” Additionally, Pope Leo XIV is a dedicated supporter of Alianza Lima, one of Peru’s most beloved soccer clubs. His connection to the team reflects the many years he spent serving the people of Peru and his ability to embrace the cultures where he ministers. Through it all, Pope Leo XIV remains a man grounded in his faith, his values, and his roots—from the churches of Chicago to the stadiums of the South Side, he carries a legacy of humility, compassion, and loyalty that resonates far beyond baseball.