Pope Leo Picks a Side — Sorry, Cubs Fans
In a move that has both baseball fans and the faithful buzzing, Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff, stunned onlookers by donning a Chicago White Sox cap during a recent appearance at the Vatican. This unexpected display of team loyalty not only settled a swirling debate over his baseball allegiance but also injected a dose of human charm into the papacy — all while giving a struggling White Sox team a symbolic boost.
The image of the pontiff, clad in his traditional robes yet sporting the iconic black Sox hat, quickly went viral, sparking amusement, admiration, and a fresh wave of enthusiasm for both the leader of the Catholic Church and the beleaguered baseball franchise he supports.
The Pope's True Colors: White Sox, Not Cubs
The story behind the hat is as colorful as the cap itself. When Cardinal Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, was elected in May 2025, early reports mistakenly claimed he was a Chicago Cubs fan. The Cubs even celebrated the news with a message on Wrigley Field's marquee. But the truth soon emerged: the pontiff grew up a devoted White Sox fan.
His brother, John Prevost, clarified the family's sports loyalties, explaining to the local Chicago station WGN TV, "He was never ever a Cubs fan, so I don't know where that came from," as reported by the New York Post. "He was always a Sox fan. Our mother was a Cubs fan. I don't know, maybe that clued in there and our dad was a Cardinals fan, so I don't know where all that came from." This revelation settled the debate and gave the White Sox a unique claim to fame: the first American pope as their most famous fan.
A Hat That Speaks Volumes
The pope's choice to wear the White Sox hat during his general audience in St. Peter's Square was more than a casual fashion statement. It was a public affirmation of his roots and passions, a rare glimpse of personality from a figure often seen as distant and formal. The sight of the pontiff greeting newlyweds and visitors while proudly sporting the cap humanized the papacy in a way few moments have.
The White Sox organization embraced the moment wholeheartedly. Their social media channels celebrated the pope's fandom, sharing photos and messages that connected the worlds of faith and baseball. White Sox manager Will Venable expressed appreciation for the support, noting the team's need for all the encouragement it can get after a historically tough season.
From the Vatican to the Ballpark: A Symbolic Boost
The White Sox have faced challenges on and off the field, including setting a modern MLB record with 121 losses in the 2024 season. Attendance has been low, with fewer than 17,000 fans per game on average, placing them near the bottom of the league in terms of fan turnout.
Enter Pope Leo XIV, whose public display of fandom offers a symbolic lift. Fans and players alike have taken heart from the pope's visible support. Rookie reliever Grant Taylor mused about whether the pope even knows his name, highlighting the surreal but uplifting connection between the pontiff and the team's young talent.
The pope's presence at the Vatican and his upcoming prerecorded video message to be shown at a White Sox mass event at Rate Field further cement the bond. It's a moment of cheer for a team and fanbase hungry for hope and a reminder that even the highest spiritual leader can root for the underdog.
Public Reaction: Amusement and Admiration
The public's response has been a mix of amusement and admiration. Social media lit up with fans sharing the pope's photo, some joking about the unlikely pairing of the Vatican and Major League Baseball, others expressing delight at seeing a human side of the pontiff.
A couple from Massachusetts even brought a White Sox hat on their honeymoon to Rome, hoping to gift it to the pope — showing how far-reaching and heartfelt this connection has become.
For the White Sox, it's a morale boost and a marketing boon. For the faithful, it's a sign that their leader is grounded in real-world experiences and passions. And for the world, it's a reminder that even the most solemn institutions can embrace moments of lightheartedness and connection.
What's Next for Pope Leo XIV and the White Sox?
As Pope Leo XIV continues his historic papacy, his White Sox fandom will likely remain a charming footnote — or perhaps a defining feature — of his public persona. The team, meanwhile, can count on their most famous fan to keep the spotlight on Chicago's South Side, even as they strive to climb out of the league's basement.
Whether this newfound attention translates into wins on the field remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the pope's White Sox hat has already won hearts worldwide.
References: Pope Leo Rocks Chicago White Sox Hat at the Vatican | Pope Leo XIV rocks White Sox hat at the Vatican in new photos | The Pope Wore a White Sox Hat and Everyone Is Freaking Out
