**Pope Leo XIV: Chicago’s Newest Fan and His Sports Allegiances**
Pope Leo XIV, recently elected as the first pope from the United States, is keeping his sports preferences under wraps, but speculation is rife about his loyalties to Chicago’s teams. Elected on the second day of the papal conclave, the Chicago native is set to celebrate his 70th birthday on September 14. Having attended Villanova University, he has already won the hearts of New York Knicks fans, as many of their star players hail from the same school.
While his college basketball allegiance is clear, it’s likely that Pope Leo XIV also supports the Chicago Bears, Bulls, and Blackhawks. However, the question of his Major League Baseball loyalties remains open, as Chicago is home to both the Cubs and the White Sox. Each team has claimed him as a fan, adding to the intrigue.
A Chicago priest has publicly stated that the pope is a Cubs supporter, but his brother has suggested otherwise, as seen in a video shared by the White Sox. Additionally, a photo has surfaced showing Pope Leo XIV attending the 2005 World Series, where the White Sox faced off against the Houston Astros.
Before his papacy, Leo XIV was appointed by Pope Francis as the prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in January 2023, a significant role within the Catholic Church responsible for vetting bishop nominations worldwide. He was elevated to Cardinal in September 2023 and is known to align closely with Pope Francis’ teachings, particularly regarding environmental issues, outreach to the poor and migrants, and expanding the Church’s reach.
In 2015, Leo XIV obtained Peruvian citizenship, where he served until his move to the Vatican in 2023. His experience as vice president of the permanent council of the Peruvian Bishops’ Conference from 2018 to 2023 likely contributed to his appointment as prefect.
As Pope Leo XIV settles into his new role, fans of Chicago sports await to see which team he will ultimately support.
**FAQ**
**Q: Which Chicago sports teams might Pope Leo XIV support?**
A: While his college allegiance to Villanova suggests he may support the New York Knicks, it is likely he also roots for the Chicago Bears, Bulls, and Blackhawks. The question of his MLB loyalty between the Cubs and White Sox remains uncertain, with claims from both teams.