As the world welcomed its first American pope, Chicagoans eagerly asked: Cubs or Sox? Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Prevost, grew up in a divided household — his mother was a Cubs fan, his father a Cardinals supporter. But his brother John revealed the new pontiff’s choice: “It’s Sox. He was never a Cubs fan.” While Pope Leo now leads 1.4 billion Catholics, his South Side loyalty is clear. The Cubs tried to claim him with a tribute referencing Harry Caray’s famous call, but the White Sox responded quickly, sending a jersey and cap to the Vatican. “Family always knows best,” they said, embracing their papal connection. Pope Leo spent his early years in Dolton, attending mass at St. Mary of the Assumption. Sister Barbara Reid, who knew him from his time at the Catholic Theological Union, called him “extraordinary,” with a “heart as big as the world.” Though he served abroad, especially in Peru, Pope Leo never lost touch with his Chicago roots. He attended the 2005 World Series to cheer on the White Sox and is also a fan of tennis and the Alianza Lima soccer team in Peru
