In brief
As Chicago embraces the recent election of its first pope, the question of which baseball team he supports—Cubs or White Sox—has ignited a spirited discussion among locals.
May 8, 2025, 7:25 p.m. ET In Chicago, a city intensely divided by baseball loyalties, a pressing concern emerged following the election of the pope, originally from the area: Does he cheer for the Chicago Cubs or the White Sox? The affection fans share for these teams is often colored by geography; generally, Cubs supporters reside in the North Side, where Wrigley Field is located, while White Sox fans are typically based in the South Side, home to Rate Field. Early speculation put both teams in the spotlight, as fans from either side rushed to claim the new pope as one of their own. Initially, a representative from the Cubs stated they could not confirm his loyalties but later shared a statement from Tom Ricketts, the Cubs' executive chairman. Ricketts extended an invitation to the pontiff, welcoming him to Wrigley Field and playfully suggesting he could join in singing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.” He referenced the visits of three of the pope's predecessors to Yankee Stadium, quipping an invitation for the pontiff to deliver a similar message at Wrigley. However, by the afternoon, the new marquee at Wrigley Field boldly declared the pope a Cubs fan. Contrary to this declaration, the pope’s brother, John Prevost, cleared the air in an interview with WGN, a station known for broadcasting Cubs games. Prevost firmly stated, “He was never, ever a Cubs fan. So I don’t know where that came from. He was always a Sox fan.” As the debate lingered, it became clear that Chicago's fervor for baseball was as rich as its culture, with fans eager to engage in discussions over their beloved teams. Julie Bosman, the Chicago bureau chief for The Times, reported this delightful intersection of faith and sports, captivating audience members and fostering an engaging dialogue among residents.
