Pope Leo XIV has quickly established himself not just as a spiritual leader but as a man unafraid to celebrate who he is and where he’s from
His White Sox chant might seem like a footnote in his papacy, but for many, it symbolizes something deeper—a connection to ordinary people, a nod to community, and a wink to the past.
Chicago’s South Side couldn’t have asked for a more high-profile fan. And if divine intervention does play a role in sports, White Sox fans may now have an edge only heaven can provide.
Whether it happens or not, the very idea of a papally sanctioned baseball series in Rome has already made history in its own quirky way.
It shows that sports still have the power to connect us—across cities, countries, and even religious traditions.
And if Pope Leo XIV does indeed throw out a ceremonial first pitch for the White Sox in the shadow of the Sistine Chapel? Well, that might just be the most divine fastball in baseball history.
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Pope Leo XIV: Papal Allegiances and Baseball Fervor
A Historic Day Meets Sports Fandom
When Pope Leo XIV was elected as the leader of the Catholic Church on May 8, 2025, the world paused in reverence.1
However, for some Americans—especially baseball fans in Chicago—the announcement ignited an entirely different discussion: which Major League Baseball team does His Holiness support? While questions about papal doctrine and global diplomacy loomed large, fans in the Windy City were fixated on whether the Pope bled Cubbie blue or Southside black and white.
This peculiar debate escalated almost immediately when the Chicago Cubs prematurely claimed that Pope Leo XIV was a lifelong Cubs supporter.
Their social media channels posted a congratulatory message that subtly hinted at his fandom. But the celebration was short-lived.
The Brotherly Revelation That Shocked Cubs Fans
In a brief interview with an Italian news outlet, Pope Leo XIV’s brother definitively put the rumors to rest.
“He has always loved the White Sox,” he said with a chuckle. “When we were boys, he never missed a game.”
And with that, the Vatican unintentionally became ground zero for one of Chicago’s longest-running rivalries.
Cubs fans reacted with shock, disbelief, and, in many cases, fury. The White Sox faithful, on the other hand, reveled in their newly found divine endorsement.
War does not solve problems; on the contrary, it amplifies them and inflicts deep wounds on the history of peoples, which take generations to heal. No armed victory can compensate for the pain of mothers, the fear of children, or stolen futures. May diplomacy silence the weapons!…
— Pope Leo XIV (@Pontifex) June 22, 2025
Holy Rivalries: Cubs vs. Sox Goes Global
The long-standing rivalry between the Cubs and White Sox is nothing new to Chicagoans. Known as the Crosstown Classic, the teams have always battled for local bragging rights. But never before had the competition ascended to such spiritual and international heights.
That’s when a fan known as @ChiSoxFanMike on X (formerly Twitter) took the conversation to an entirely new level. “Someone in my replies said the White Sox and Cubs should play a series in Rome to honor the Pope and that is the best idea I’ve ever seen,” Mike tweeted.
The post went viral almost immediately, sparking debates, memes, and mock flyers for a hypothetical “Vatican Series.”
The Idea of a Roman Baseball Series Gains Momentum
What started as a joke began to gain real traction. Prominent figures in the baseball world, including retired players and sports journalists, commented on the idea.
ESPN’s social media team even ran a mock simulation of the matchup at a digitally recreated Colosseum-turned-ballpark.
While the Vatican has not made any official statements, the idea of a White Sox–Cubs series in Rome has sparked conversation among MLB executives.
“There’s a lot of logistics,” one anonymous source said. “But if it brings together fans in a unique and positive way—and honors something that clearly matters to millions—we’d be foolish not to consider it.”
Pope Leo XIV: Detroit’s Curveball
“Let the Southside Shine”
But not everyone was amused by the idea. As the Cubs and Sox chatter continued, a traditionalist baseball fan threw in an unexpected twist: “White Sox and Tigers.2
Cubs don’t have to insert themselves into everything. Let the Southside shine.”
This sentiment struck a chord with some fans who believe the White Sox deserve their own international moment in the spotlight without sharing the stage with the Cubs.
Yet, others swiftly shut down the idea. “Cubs would destroy the Sox lmao,” one user replied, reigniting the fierce rivalry with a digital mic drop.
Nationalism, Nostalgia, and Religious Tensions Collide
While many embraced the humor and camaraderie, not everyone welcomed the idea of mixing baseball with religious reverence.
“No, you already let the Roman Catholics and Jesuits ruin my country, don’t let them ruin my American sport,” one user posted in a comment that drew both backlash and laughs.
It highlighted the awkward crossroads where religious identity, sports fandom, and cultural nostalgia meet. While the majority found the scenario entertaining, it wasn’t devoid of underlying tensions.
White Sox Fans Flex: “Lil Bro Can’t Hang”
In true Southside fashion, White Sox fans didn’t miss their chance to remind everyone who they thought the real champions were.
“White Sox would terrorize lil bro,” a supporter declared. This statement, echoed across fan forums and social media threads, represented a larger sentiment of pride.
To many Sox fans, this wasn’t just about baseball anymore—it was about vindication. The Pope’s allegiance felt like a long-overdue acknowledgment of their often overshadowed franchise.
Pope Leo XIV: Cultural Diplomacy Through Baseball?
Amid the chaos and comedy, some began to see the potential for something deeper. Could a papal-inspired baseball series actually serve as a symbol of unity?3
In a world divided by politics, religion, and even sports, the idea of two rival teams coming together in the Eternal City—perhaps with Pope Leo XIV throwing out the ceremonial first pitch—could foster a rare sense of global harmony.
The image is hard to ignore: the Pope in Sox gear, flanked by the mascots of both teams, with fans from Chicago mingling with Romans under the Vatican skyline.
Would Rome Even Go for It?
Of course, the feasibility of holding a Major League Baseball series in Rome isn’t simple. The city lacks a stadium with the required infrastructure, and constructing one temporarily would be costly and time-consuming.
However, MLB has previously organized games in London, Mexico, and even Australia. The league’s expansionist strategy aligns well with such symbolic spectacles.
If the momentum continues and support builds, Rome could become the next exotic destination on MLB’s global tour.
Merchandising Mayhem: The Holy Grail of Baseball Gear
If the idea were to materialize, one thing is certain: merchandise sales would skyrocket. “Pope Leo XIV” jerseys in Sox black with a little halo on the sleeve? That’s marketing gold.
Already, unofficial designs have flooded Etsy and Instagram, including “Vatican Varsity” hats and “Blessed Be the Bat” foam fingers.
Even players have taken to social media to chime in. One Sox infielder posted a photo of himself praying with the caption: “Manifesting the Rome series 🙏⚾.”
Could This Change the Crosstown Classic Forever?
While many dismiss the idea as an internet-fueled fantasy, others believe that this moment could redefine the Crosstown Classic’s legacy.
The Chicago Cubs vs. Chicago White Sox rivalry has always been local, but now it’s taken on global—and spiritual—dimensions.
If the series in Rome does happen, it won’t just be about baseball. It’ll be about identity, community, and the surprising ways that culture, faith, and fandom intersect in the modern world.
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Pope Leo XIV’s White Sox Allegiance
A Divine Declaration from the Vatican
The idea of a baseball-loving pope might seem unusual, even surreal, but Pope Leo XIV has proven that no matter how high one rises in the Catholic Church, hometown sports allegiances endure.
Born as Robert Prevost in the southwestern suburbs of Chicago, Pope Leo XIV’s roots are steeped in Windy City culture.
And while the city is famously divided between fans of the North Side’s Cubs and the South Side’s White Sox, the Pope has now made it clear: he’s a proud supporter of the Sox.
This past week, a video surfaced from Vatican City showing Pope Leo XIV joining in a chant of “White Sox! White Sox!” Much more than a passing moment, this gesture reignited interest in the pontiff’s hometown ties and added a holy layer of fandom to the ongoing rivalry between Chicago’s two beloved teams.
From Southwest Suburbs to St. Peter’s Square
Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, was born and raised in Chicago’s southwestern suburbs, a region often aligned with White Sox loyalty.
Though he left the area decades ago to begin his spiritual journey—ultimately leading him to serve the global Catholic community—his Chicago roots remain intact.
White Sox fans often claim the gritty, working-class identity of the South Side as a badge of honor. That same ethos seems to resonate with Pope Leo XIV, whose own reputation is that of a humble, relatable leader despite his powerful position.
The neighborhood values and blue-collar pride that define White Sox culture may very well have shaped his early worldview.
A Viral Chant in Vatican City
- The proof of the Pope’s Sox allegiance came in the form of a short, now-viral video clip.
- As he moved through a public area of Vatican City, a group of visiting fans spontaneously began chanting “White Sox! White Sox!” The Pope, instead of brushing it off or staying silent, looked directly at the group, smiled warmly, waved, and echoed their chant.
- This response electrified social media. Fans back in Chicago celebrated what many see as divine confirmation of his baseball loyalties.
- The moment was symbolic—not just for White Sox supporters but for the sports world at large.
- In an era when sports and celebrity often intersect, having the head of the Catholic Church publicly acknowledge his team is something truly rare and special.
- Chicago Cubs fans, meanwhile, were left stunned. Some had long hoped that the Pope would be part of the Cubs’ flock, especially given the team’s historic 2016 World Series win, which coincided with a global swell of goodwill toward the franchise.
- The idea of having a Cubs-supporting Pope was comforting to many.
- But the reality has proven otherwise. The South Side faithful can now proudly boast that the Pope himself is one of them.
- It’s a lighthearted rivalry, to be sure, but there’s no doubt that Cubs fans are feeling a bit of heavenly heartbreak.
Pope Leo XIV: Chicago’s Reaction
A City United (Sort Of)
Chicagoans are known for their sports loyalty, and the Pope’s chant lit up the local media. Radio hosts, sports analysts, and even former players weighed in on the surprising news.
“We’ve always known Sox fans had soul,” one caller joked on a Chicago sports talk show. “Now we’ve got the Holy Spirit on our side too.”
The Cubs-Sox divide remains as strong as ever, but the city as a whole seemed to revel in the moment.
Whether you root for the Cubs or the Sox, there was something magical about seeing one of Chicago’s own bring a piece of the city to Vatican City.
A New Era of Sox Support?
Could this papal endorsement signal a divine turnaround for the White Sox franchise? The team has struggled in recent years to stay competitive, and fans often joke that they need all the help they can get—even from above.
With Pope Leo XIV now known to be a fan, the team may find renewed inspiration and media interest.
Though it’s unlikely the Pope will throw out a first pitch anytime soon, his support has already boosted the morale of the White Sox community. Merchandise sales, especially in Catholic parishes around Chicago, are reportedly up since the video surfaced.
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The Power of Representation
In a world where leaders are often seen as distant or detached, Pope Leo XIV’s small yet significant gesture reminds us of the power of representation.
Seeing someone of his stature embrace his roots and engage with fans on such a personal level offers hope—not just to Sox fans, but to people everywhere.
It’s a reminder that greatness doesn’t mean forgetting where you come from. It means carrying your origins with pride, even when you’ve reached the highest echelons of global influence.
Bridging Sacred and Secular
Pope Leo XIV’s chant isn’t just about baseball—it bridges the sacred and the secular. It shows how faith can engage with culture, and how shared experiences—like loving a sports team—can bring people together across borders and backgrounds.
At a time when the world often feels divided, this brief yet powerful moment demonstrates that laughter, nostalgia, and hometown pride are universal languages.
Even in the heart of Vatican City, thousands of miles from Chicago, that truth rang out with every shout of “White Sox!”
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