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When Faith Meets Fastballs: How a Pope’s Baseball Allegiance United Chicago
The election of a new pope is typically met with theological debates and geopolitical analysis. But when Cardinal Robert Prevost became Pope Leo XIV, Chicagoans had just one burning question: *Does the pontiff bleed Cubbie blue or South Side black?* What began as a lighthearted local curiosity evolved into a cultural phenomenon, revealing how sports fandom intersects with identity, community, and even faith.
A Papal Rivalry Takes the Field
Chicago’s baseball divide is legendary. The Cubs (North Side) and White Sox (South Side) represent more than teams—they’re cultural markers, shaping neighborhoods, traditions, and even family dynamics. So when a hometown cardinal ascended to the papacy, it was inevitable that his sports loyalty would become civic intrigue.
Media speculation ran wild. Some pointed to Prevost’s childhood neighborhood as Cubs territory; others cited his parish work near Sox strongholds. The debate even reached Vatican analysts, with one quipping, *“This might be the first time a pope’s ERA (earned run average) is discussed alongside his encyclicals.”*
The Brother’s Curveball: A Definitive Answer
Amid the chaos, John Prevost, the pope’s brother, delivered a fastball of clarity in an NBC Chicago interview: *“Let’s settle this—he’s always been a White Sox fan.”* The statement sent shockwaves through the city. South Side parishes celebrated; North Side dioceses groaned in good-natured defeat. But beneath the humor lay something deeper: a testament to how sports allegiances humanize even the most revered figures.
Why a Pope’s Team Matters
For Chicagoans, baseball is a secular religion. The pope’s fandom became a proxy for questions like: *Does he understand our traditions? Is he ‘one of us’?* His White Sox allegiance signaled a connection to the city’s blue-collar roots, resonating with working-class Catholics.
Religious leaders often seem distant, but a sports preference bridges the gap. Imagine parishioners joking, *“His Holiness suffers through Sox games too—he gets us!”* This shared identity fosters trust and approachability.
While the Cubs/Sox rivalry is fierce, the pope’s affiliation became a rare moment of unity. Fans on both sides could agree: *Our city produced the pope!* Even Cubs loyalists embraced the pride of hometown representation.
Beyond the Dugout: Sports as Sacred Ground
The Vatican may never issue a papal bull on baseball, but the episode highlights how sports function as modern-day liturgy:
– Rituals: Seventh-inning stretches mirror communal prayer.
– Devotion: Fans wear jerseys like vestments.
– Hope: Every season renews faith in redemption (especially for Cubs fans pre-2016).
Pope Leo XIV’s fandom inadvertently affirmed that spirituality isn’t confined to cathedrals—it thrives in bleachers, too.
The Legacy of a Sports-Minded Pope
Will future papal candidates face vetting for their World Series picks? Probably not. But this moment sets a precedent:
– Leaders’ personal histories matter to communities seeking authenticity.
– Shared cultural touchstones (like sports) build unexpected bridges.
– Even solemn institutions benefit from moments of levity.
As one Chicago priest noted, *“If the pope can endure a Sox losing streak, he’s prepared for anything.”*
Conclusion: A Home Run for Humanity
The Great Chicago Papal Debate wasn’t about baseball—it was about connection. In revealing Pope Leo XIV as a White Sox fan, his brother handed the city a gift: a reminder that faith, like fandom, is rooted in shared stories and steadfast loyalty. Whether blessing crowds from St. Peter’s or cheering from the Vatican’s hypothetical luxury box, this pope’s South Side heart proves that even saints have a favorite box score.
And to Cubs fans? Let’s just say there’s always next season—both in baseball and the next papal election.
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