While the Vatican adjusts to its new leader, Pope Leo XIV, Chicago has been busy investigating a far more local concern: which Major League Baseball team does the Pope root for? It turns out, this holy debate has a clear answer—and it comes straight from the family.
In an interview with WGN TV News Chicago, the Pope’s brother, John Prevost, addressed the confusion with absolute certainty:
“He was never, ever a Cubs fan. I don’t know where that came from. He’s always been a Sox fan.”
That settles it—the spiritual leader of over a billion Catholics stands with the South Side.
Obviously the biggest question surrounding Chicago native Robert Prevost now that he is Pope Leo XIV: Cubs or White Sox? His brother gave the definitive answer to @WGNNews‘ @DanaRebikWGN pic.twitter.com/DvMiGZ0qHY
— Josh Frydman (@Josh_Frydman) May 8, 2025
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Pope Leo XIV is a White Sox Fan
Many assumed the new Pope, born Robert Prevost, would naturally support the Cubs, the beloved team of Chicago’s North Side. But in true Chicago fashion, his family household was a mix of allegiances. His mother rooted for the Cubs, while his father was loyal to the St. Louis Cardinals—making Pope Leo’s allegiance to the White Sox even more unique.
This seemingly light-hearted detail about Pope Leo XIV offers a fresh, relatable angle on the man behind the papal robes. In a city where baseball fandom runs deep—some say almost religiously—knowing the Pope is a fellow Sox fan might win him some unexpected street cred.
While the Catholic Church doesn’t officially comment on the personal hobbies of its popes, insights like these humanize the pontiff, bringing him closer to everyday people and their passions.
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Shortly after Pope Leo XIV was introduced to the world, ABC News reported that he was a lifelong Cubs fan. That tidbit quickly made the rounds—but thanks to his brother, we now know that was just a case of mistaken team identity.
This article was originally written in Spanish by Luis Alvarado de Sousa in El Fildeo.
