Pope Leo XIV: A Fan of the Chicago White Sox
The baseball world has been taken by surprise by an unusual piece of news: the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, formerly known as Robert Prevost, is a fervent supporter of the Chicago White Sox.
The revelation has generated a great stir, especially upon learning that the new pontiff was present at Game 1 of the 2005 World Series, played at the then U.S. Cellular Field.
Prevost, originally from Chicago and a lifelong follower of the “Patipálidos”, attended the game accompanied by friends, including Ed Schmit. At that time, he was known as “Father Bob” and was even briefly captured by FOX cameras during the game against the Houston Astros.
He was always very close to my dad, and he used to say to him: ‘Father Bob, you are going to be the next pope’
Heidi Skokal, Schmit’s daughter
His fondness for the White Sox was no secret to those who knew him during his time as a priest in Chicago.
The baseball identity of the new pope was confirmed this week, when his brother declared that Leo XIV “was always a fan of the White Sox”.
The Chicago team paid tribute to the Pope on Friday with a moving video tribute before the start of the game.
This historical link between the Vatican and North American baseball has generated a wave of enthusiasm on social media, especially among the fans of the White Sox, who celebrate that one of their own has ascended to the papal throne.
