Camilla Jessen
The first American pope brought a bit of Chicago to St. Peter’s Square.
Pope Leo XIV gave the faithful and baseball fans alike a surprise on Wednesday as he greeted crowds in St. Peter’s Square wearing a black White Sox cap.
The Chicago native, who made history in May as the first American pope, proudly displayed his lifelong loyalty to the AL Central team during his general audience at the Vatican.
Among the crowd were a bride and groom who appeared to be fellow White Sox fans, sharing a light moment with the pontiff as he made his rounds.
It’s Always Been the Sox
Since Pope Leo XIV’s election, questions had swirled about his baseball loyalties, with some speculating a possible connection to the Cubs.
But his brother, John Prevost, quickly cleared up the confusion in an interview with Chicago’s WGN TV, as cited by the New York Post.
“He was never ever a Cubs fan, so I don’t know where that came from,” John said. “He was always a Sox fan. Our mother was a Cubs fan… our dad was a Cardinals fan. And all the aunts — our mom’s family — were from the North Side, so that’s why they were Cubs fans.”
Born Robert Francis Prevost, Pope Leo XIV’s White Sox fandom dates back decades.
Footage has even resurfaced showing him wearing team gear during Game 1 of the 2005 World Series, when Chicago swept the Houston Astros in four games to win their first title in nearly 90 years.
Pope Leo XIV’s election followed the death of Pope Francis in April at the age of 88 after a long struggle with double pneumonia.
As the first American to lead the Catholic Church, Leo XIV has brought fresh attention to his Midwestern upbringing.
See the images of the Pope here.