Sports fans are celebrating the election of Pope Leo XIV (former Cardinal Robert Prevost) of Chicago, Illinois– the first-ever pope from the United States of America.
However, people debate his preferred sports team.
Social media users suggest the new pope is a Chicago Cubs fan, while others argue he is a White Sox fan.
But which is it?
John Prevost, one of Pope Leo XIV’s biological brothers, answers this intriguing question in an interview clip published by the Chicago White Sox.
“He was never, ever a Cubs fan, so I don’t know where that came from. He was always a Sox fan,” his brother says in a WGN interview. “Our mother was a Cubs fan…and our dad was a Cardinals fan.”
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
Nevertheless, the Chicago Cubs congratulated the new Pontiff. Here’s their post below:
Congratulations to Pope Leo XIV! pic.twitter.com/s02yDDegQd
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) May 8, 2025
“Congratulations to Pope Leo XIV!” the Chicago Cubs posted alongside a photo claiming the new pontiff is a Cubs fan.
Astros writer Michael Schwab also published a photo of Pope Leo XIV at the 2005 World Series between the Houston Astros and the Chicago White Sox.
Here’s the photo of Pope Leo XIV (then-Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine, Father Robert Prevost) at the 2005 World Series below:
The Chicago Sun-Times found a photo of Pope Leo, Robert Prevost, at the 2005 World Series against the Astros pic.twitter.com/oNcqpRC5Ry
— Michael Schwab (@michaelschwab13) May 9, 2025
“The Chicago Sun-Times found a photo of Pope Leo, Robert Prevost, at the 2005 World Series against the Astros,” Schwab wrote.
The MLB Network also published an interview with MLB player Zach Neto of the Los Angeles Angels, who jokingly says the Pope should be an Angels fan instead.
Cubs fan? White Sox fan? We have an Angel (Zach Neto) here to tell you that Pope Leo XIV should root for his team! 😂 pic.twitter.com/LZnpUK9hxv
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) May 8, 2025
“Which one do you think he is a fan of? The White Sox or the Cubs?” the reporter asks Neto.
“I don’t think he’s a fan of any of them,” Neto responds. “I think he’s a fan of the Angels.”
Another X user even posted an AI-generated photo of Pope Leo XIV wearing Chicago Bears attire:
OFFICIAL: Pope Leo XIV has requested to wear this new Papal attire going forward.
— jack (@jack_bfr) May 8, 2025
Huge. pic.twitter.com/FB2LAj2ESh
“OFFICIAL: Pope Leo XIV has requested to wear this new Papal attire going forward. Huge,” the user writes.