Chicago Roots Run Deep: New Pope’s Windy City Baseball Allegiance Sparks Debate

Just like Pope francis’s devotion to Argentinian soccer club San Lorenzo, the sporting allegiances of Pope Leo XIV are generating buzz, especially back in his hometown of Chicago. while roman circles whisper of his support for AS Roma,it’s the battle for his baseball fandom between the Chicago Cubs adn the White sox that’s truly ignited passions.

The South Side of Chicago,reminiscent of Michelle Obama’s upbringing,is abuzz. At 212 E 142nd Place in Dolton, the modest brick house purchased by his parents in 1949 for a mere $42 a month has become a focal point. Journalists and curious onlookers are eager to understand the origins of the man now leading the Catholic Church.

His older brother, John Prevost, shared the family’s initial reaction with ABC7: It was a moment that bowing. I was on the phone with my nephew and we couldn’t believe it. Then the cell phone, iPad and home phone went crazy. But the real question on Chicagoans’ minds? Which baseball team does the new Pope root for?

While both the Cubs and white Sox would undoubtedly welcome the Pontiff as a fan, John hinted at a preference for the White Sox. This claim, though, is already facing scrutiny. Some Cubs fans argue that growing up in the Chicago area in the latter half of the 20th century almost necessitates at least a soft spot for the North Siders, especially given their historic 2016 World Series win, ending a 108-year drought. Coudl the allure of “next year is finally here” have swayed the young Robert Francis Prevost?

Leo XIV, the youngest of three, had a seemingly ordinary childhood, raised by a school superintendent father and a librarian mother. We had a normal childhood. It’s a bit strange, but all three knew what we wanted to do from an early age, explained John, a 71-year-old former Catholic school principal. He added, Rob knew he would become a priest since he learned to walk. One neighbor once told him that one day he would become Pope.An apt forecast, right?

The Pope’s brother also revealed a pre-conclave phone call where they discussed potential papal names. I told him not to choose Leo because he would have been 13th, but evidently he did some research. The choice of Leo XIV suggests a connection to previous pontiffs, perhaps a nod to Leo XIII’s social teachings, which resonate with many American Catholics focused on social justice.

Another brother, Louis Martìn, described the election as totally unexpected. He recounted the moment of realization: I was lying in bed. My wife called me and said: “White smoke! White smoke!” So I turned on the TV and watched. And almost an hour has passed. And when the cardinal came out, and we were all waiting for, and said “Roberto”, I understood promptly. If I had been standing, I could have collapsed.

Louis also shared a touching childhood memory: When we were small, I always made a harbor with my two smaller brothers, but he was always the holy one. And we made fun of him: “One day you will become Pope. You are too holy.” When he entered the seminary, it was like … Oh Wow. And then a couple of years ago,when the Pope appointed him Cardinal,it was like … it could happen.

Adding another layer to the story, genealogical research has revealed the Pope’s maternal grandparents, joseph Martinez and Louise Baquie, were people of color who lived in a historically Catholic and diverse neighborhood in New Orleans. They later moved to Chicago, where their daughter, Mildred Martinez, the Pope’s mother, was raised.

Genealogist Jari C.Honora, who made the finding, stated, this discovery is only a further reminder of how interconnected we are as Americans. I hope it highlights the long history of black, free and slaves, in this country, which includes the family of the Holy Father.

This revelation underscores the diverse tapestry of American society and adds a meaningful dimension to the narrative of pope Leo XIV. It also invites further exploration into the historical context of the Martinez and Baquie families in New Orleans and their experiences as people of color in the early 20th century. This could be a engaging area for future research, notably for those interested in the intersection of faith, race, and American history.

Ultimately,whether Pope Leo XIV is a White Sox fan,a Cubs fan,or simply a fan of the game,his Chicago roots and diverse family history offer a compelling story that resonates deeply within the American sports landscape and beyond.