On Thursday, May 8, 2025, Cardinal Robert Prevost made history by becoming Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pope. The announcement sent waves of excitement through his hometown of Chicago, particularly among White Sox fans, as he was confirmed to be a lifelong supporter of the team. This revelation came amidst initial confusion, with some reports mistakenly labeling him a Cubs fan.
Heidi Skokal, a longtime friend of Prevost, shared her emotional reaction to the news. Her father, Ed Schmit, had a close friendship with Prevost, and she recalled how Schmit had often joked with him about becoming pope. "He’s always been there for our whole entire family and was very, very close to my dad," Skokal said, adding that her late father would be proud of Prevost's achievement.
Skokal's son, Vince, a senior at St. Rita of Cascia High School, experienced the moment of the pope's election firsthand. As he walked through the halls of his school, the news broke with the iconic white smoke billowing from the Sistine Chapel. "We just started cheering," Vince recalled. The connection to Prevost runs deep at St. Rita, where he taught math and physics in the 1980s and has maintained ties with the school ever since.
Rev. Tom McCarthy, St. Rita's chapel director, emphasized the pride felt by the students, stating, "He’s one of us, an Augustinian, and the kids are so proud." The school community had even discussed Prevost in their senior theology class, with students preparing presentations on potential papal candidates.
Meanwhile, the Chicago White Sox organization quickly embraced their new fan, sending a custom jersey to the Vatican. "Family always knows best, and it sounds like Pope Leo XIV’s lifelong fandom falls a little closer to 35th and Shields," the team stated. This was in reference to the location of their ballpark, which has been a source of joy and heartbreak for its fans over the years.
Prevost's brother, John, was quick to clarify any misconceptions regarding the pope's sports allegiance. He confirmed to NBC News that Prevost had always been a White Sox fan. "Whoever said Cubs on the radio got it wrong," John Prevost stated. This statement was crucial in setting the record straight, especially after ABC News had mistakenly reported that the new pope was a Cubs fan.
The Chicago Sun-Times even unearthed a photograph of Prevost at the 2005 World Series, where the White Sox triumphed over the Houston Astros. The image quickly went viral, further solidifying his status as a devoted White Sox supporter. As the team struggles in the current season, sitting at 10-28, the hope is that having a pope in their corner might bring some divine intervention.
As the news of Prevost's election spread, social media erupted with reactions from fans. Many expressed their excitement, with one user commenting, "The new pope was at the Cell to see the Sox win a ring. This is a good omen." Another added, "Peak American Culture!" The response highlights the unique intersection of sports and faith in Chicago, where loyalty to local teams runs deep.
Amidst the excitement, there were also reflections on the challenges facing the White Sox. In recent years, the team has struggled to find success, with last year's record-setting losses weighing heavily on fans. Despite this, the election of a local fan as pope brings a sense of pride and hope to the fanbase.
In a light-hearted moment, Pope Leo XIV even expressed his thoughts on the Chicago Bears and their new coach, Ben Johnson, during an exclusive phone conversation. "I am excited about Caleb Williams," he said, referring to the highly touted quarterback. "It seems like they should have a really good coach right now. I’m definitely excited about him." This connection to local sports adds a relatable dimension to the new pope's persona.
As the first American pope, Prevost's election marks a significant moment in history. His journey from the South Side of Chicago to the Vatican is a story of faith, community, and loyalty to his roots. With his love for the White Sox and a deep connection to his hometown, Pope Leo XIV is poised to bring a unique perspective to the papacy.
In the days to come, Chicago media outlets are expected to delve deeper into Prevost's past, exploring his connections to local institutions and the impact of his upbringing on his role as pope. The excitement surrounding his election is palpable, as fans and community members alike celebrate this historic moment.
