Robert Francis Prevost, who is now known as Pope Leo XIV, was raised in a household with differing allegiances. He was born in Bronzeville and spent his childhood in the southern suburbs, where his mother passionately supported the Chicago Cubs from the North Side, while his father remained a steadfast fan of the St. Louis Cardinals.
However, as stated by his brother, John Prevost, the newly elected pontiff made his own decision at an early stage — and it did not involve the Cubs.
John stated to WGN, “The assertion that Cubs were mentioned on the radio is incorrect; it is actually Sox. He has never been a fan of the Cubs.”
Pope Leo XIV has two siblings, Louis and John. Louis, a veteran of the military, resides in Florida, whereas John, who recently resolved the discussion regarding the Pope’s allegiance to baseball teams, formerly held the position of principal at a Catholic school.
Thus, although the pontiff currently guides 1.4 billion Catholics globally, it is evident that his loyalty on the diamond has consistently been unmistakable.
The disclosure regarding Pope Leo’s preferred team caused a stir on social media, particularly when the Chicago Cubs swiftly attempted to adopt the newly elected pope as one of their supporters.
Shortly after his momentous appointment, the team shared an online tribute, citing the iconic words of broadcaster Harry Caray: ‘The good Lord desires the Cubs to triumph!’
However, the South Side ultimately triumphed.
The White Sox promptly acknowledged their sacred bond by dispatching a team jersey and cap to the Vatican. “Family always understands best,” the team remarked to NBC Chicago.
“It appears that Pope Leo XIV’s enduring support aligns more closely with 35th and Shields. While some matters transcend baseball, we are pleased to have a White Sox supporter represented at the Vatican.”
Pope Leo spent his formative years in the Dolton suburb and frequently attended mass at St. Mary of the Assumption on the Far Southeast Side of the city, as reported by the Sun-Times.
During a press conference on Thursday, Sister Barbara Reid, president of the Catholic Theological Union where Prevost was once a student, commended his character, stating: ‘He is an exceptional individual with a sharp intellect and a heart that encompasses the entire world, particularly for those who are most marginalized.’
Despite dedicating a significant portion of his adult life to serving the Church internationally, especially in Peru, Pope Leo has maintained a strong connection to his Chicago origins and his sports affiliations.
A graduate of Villanova University in 1977, Pope Leo has maintained a longstanding enthusiasm for sports. Prior to his ascension to the papacy, Robert Prevost demonstrated his allegiance to the South Side by attending the 2005 World Series at Guaranteed Rate Field to support the Chicago White Sox.
In addition to baseball, Prevost enjoys tennis, describing himself as a recreational player.
In a 2023 interview, he acknowledged his status as an amateur tennis aficionado, stating, ‘Since leaving Peru, I have had limited opportunities to practice, so I am eager to return to the court,’ adding, ‘Although this new position has not afforded me much leisure time for it thus far.’ Furthermore, Pope Leo has been a dedicated supporter of Alianza Lima, a well-known soccer club in Peru, as reported.