In a historic moment for the Catholic Church and Chicago sports fans, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a South Side native, was elected Pope Leo XIV on May 8, 2025, becoming the first American pontiff. While his ascension carries profound spiritual significance for the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, it’s his reported allegiance to the Chicago Cubs that has Wrigley Field abuzz. Despite conflicting claims about his baseball fandom, the Cubs have enthusiastically embraced Pope Leo XIV as one of their own, sparking celebration and speculation about what a Cubs-loving pope could mean for the team’s 2025 season.
A Chicago Son with a Cubs Heart
Born in 1955 and raised in Dolton, just south of Chicago, Robert Prevost grew up in a city where baseball loyalties run deep. Reports quickly surfaced declaring Pope Leo XIV a devoted Cubs fan, sending Wrigleyville into a frenzy. The Cubs’ iconic Wrigley Field marquee proclaimed, “Hey, Chicago, He’s a Cubs fan!” as fans imagined divine intervention for a team chasing its second World Series title in a decade.
The claim was notable given Prevost’s South Side roots, traditionally White Sox territory. Yet, it’s said he was drawn to the Cubs, perhaps by the team’s storied history or the charm of Wrigley Field’s ivy-covered walls. A Chicago priest tied the pontiff’s spiritual mission to his North Side allegiance, stating that Pope Leo “has a heart for the poor and is also a Cubs fan.” The Cubs’ chaplain invited him to celebrate Mass at Wrigley, underscoring the team’s eagerness to embrace their papal supporter. Fans celebrated the narrative, joking that the new pope must be thrilled to no longer be a Cardinal and suggesting he could bring divine luck to the team.
A Fandom Debate and a White Sox Rebuttal
The Cubs’ claim to Pope Leo’s fandom wasn’t without controversy. Prevost’s brother insisted that Robert was a lifelong White Sox fan, citing their South Side upbringing and family dynamics. He noted their mother was a Cubs fan from the North Side, while their father rooted for the St. Louis Cardinals, but Robert chose the White Sox. The White Sox capitalized, displaying “Hey Chicago, He’s a Sox fan!” on their scoreboard and sending a personalized jersey to the Vatican.
The conflicting claims sparked a lively debate across Chicago. Evidence of Prevost attending the 2005 World Series, where the White Sox won their first title in 88 years, lent weight to his South Side allegiance. The White Sox mocked their crosstown rivals for jumping the gun, while Cubs fans pointed to the team’s cultural prominence and Prevost’s ties to the North Side through his mother’s family. The Cubs leaned into the narrative, with some suggesting Pope Leo could throw out a ceremonial first pitch or bless Wrigley’s ivy for a miracle season.
What a Cubs-Loving Pope Could Mean
The Cubs, sitting at 22-16 and atop the NL Central as of May 9, 2025, are off to a strong start, bolstered by outfielder Kyle Tucker’s offseason acquisition. The prospect of a Cubs-fan pope has fans dreaming of divine favor, especially after the 2016 World Series ended a 108-year drought. Fans jested that the Cubs’ 2025 championship is “ordained from on high,” reflecting the blend of humor and hope surrounding Pope Leo’s alleged fandom.
The team has a history of capitalizing on high-profile supporters. In 2016, Pope Francis was photographed with a Cubs hat, prompting claims of papal backing during their championship run. Now, with Pope Leo potentially in their corner, the Cubs are eyeing opportunities to bring him to Wrigley. The team’s chairman invited the pontiff to sing “Sweet Caroline” during the seventh-inning stretch or deliver a “Sermon on the Mound.” Fans have speculated about his preferences, from bleacher seats to whether he’d support the wave at Wrigley.
A Papal Boost for a Playoff Push?
The Cubs’ 2025 season is shaping up to be pivotal, with top pitching prospect Cade Horton set to debut against the New York Mets, filling in for the injured Shōta Imanaga. The team’s early success has raised hopes of a deep playoff run, and the narrative of a Cubs-fan pope adds mystique. While Pope Leo’s actual baseball allegiance remains unconfirmed by the Vatican, the Cubs are capitalizing on the buzz, joking that he could bring divine luck to their campaign.
If Pope Leo is a Cubs fan, he’d join a lineage of famous supporters, potentially outshining Bill Murray as the team’s most prominent cheerleader. His South Side upbringing would make him a rare Cubs fan in White Sox territory, adding to his underdog appeal. Even if he leans toward the White Sox, the Cubs’ embrace of the narrative has galvanized fans, fueling excitement for the season ahead.
A Bridge Between Faith and Fandom
Pope Leo XIV’s election is a landmark for American Catholics, and his Chicago heritage resonates in a city where sports and culture intertwine. Whether cheering for the Cubs or the White Sox, his fandom reflects the passion of a city divided by baseball but united by pride. For Cubs fans, the possibility of a pope in their corner is a rallying cry, a chance to believe the heavens might align for another championship.
As Pope Leo settles into his role, the Cubs are preparing for a crucial series against the Mets, hoping to maintain their division lead. Fans will be watching not only the box scores but also the Vatican, wondering if Pope Leo will don a Cubs cap or stream a game in Vatican City. For now, the Friendly Confines feel closer to the divine, and Chicago’s North Side is dreaming of a season blessed by their hometown pontiff.
