Sports & Faith
Pope leo XIV’s Playful Jab at Cubs Fans Highlights Deep Baseball Roots
October 16, 2025, 12:06 p.m.
In a moment that blended papal authority with passionate fandom, Pope Leo XIV, a proud son of Chicago, recently delivered a playful but pointed retort to a “Go Cubs!” shout during a public appearance in St. Peter’s Square. From his Popemobile, the pontiff, born Robert Francis Prevost, quipped back in Spanish, Han perdido
-meaning You lost!
This quick-witted jab was a direct reference to the Chicago Cubs’ recent playoff elimination after a 1-3 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers, a defeat that stung their fanbase.
The incident quickly gained traction, with the Pope’s beloved Chicago White Sox, the Cubs’ crosstown rivals, embracing the moment. The conventional club responded on social media with a video of the exchange,proclaiming,That’s our Pope.
This playful banter underscores the deep-seated rivalry between Chicago’s two Major League Baseball franchises, a rivalry that resonates strongly with the city’s sports-minded population.
the pontiff’s allegiance to the White Sox has been a well-documented aspect of his papacy. Reports from within the Vatican have clarified any lingering confusion about his baseball loyalties.He was never a Cubs fan. So I don’t know where that came from. He was always a Sox fan!
stated Pope Brother John Prevost, reinforcing Leo XIV’s lifelong dedication to the South Side club.
The White Sox have reciprocated this devotion, honoring Pope Leo XIV with a mural near section 140 at their ballpark. The artwork depicts him at Game 1 of the 2005 World Series, a championship year for the Sox, alongside a framed jersey bearing the name Pope Leo
and the number 14. This gesture signifies the club’s pride in their most prominent fan. Even shortly after his election, Pope Leo XIV was seen publicly sporting a White Sox cap, a clear signal of his enduring connection to the team.
This unique intersection of faith and sports offers a fascinating case study in how public figures maintain personal passions. For American sports fans, especially those in Chicago, the Pope’s unabashed support for his team provides a relatable and frequently enough humorous connection to the highest levels of global leadership. It begs the question: how many other world leaders harbor such fervent, publicly expressed sports allegiances? Further examination into the sports fandom of other influential figures could reveal similar fascinating insights into the human side of power.
