In brief
As Chicago embraces its new pope, the age-old rivalry between the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago White Sox has found its way into a light-hearted debate. Fans from both sides are eager to claim the pontiff as one of their own, but his brother has provided clarity on the matter.
In Chicago, a city steeped in baseball tradition, the announcement of a local pope sparked curiosity about his favorite team. While generally, North Siders favor the Cubs, who play at Wrigley Field, and South Siders root for the Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field, fans were quick to speculate about the new pope's allegiances. Initially, the Cubs' management expressed hope that Pope Leo XIV would support their team, extending an invitation to attend a game and even suggesting he could lead the iconic seventh-inning stretch. However, the enthusiasm quickly shifted when the pope's brother, John Prevost, spoke out, clarifying that the new pope had always supported the White Sox. Prevost's comments provided a definitive answer to the city’s playful conjecture, solidifying the pope's true loyalty in the hearts of South Side fans. As the competition unfolds in the city, one thing is for sure: Chicago will continue to celebrate its dual baseball cultures, now with a papal twist. No matter the allegiance, the pope's connection to Chicago brings a unique energy to both fanbases, reminding everyone that baseball—and community—transcends team colors. Julie Bosman covers the story from Chicago, blending local flavor with cultural insights in the sports arena.
