When Robert Francis Provost became Pope Leo XIV—the first American pope—Chicagoans had one burning question: Cubs or Sox?

Raised in a divided household—his mother a Cubs fan and his father a Cardinals supporter—he chose early on to support the Chicago White Sox. His brother John confirmed he was “never a Cubs fan,” sparking lively social media buzz.

After his appointment, the Cubs paid tribute with Harry Caray’s famous line, “The good Lord desires the Cubs to triumph!” But the White Sox sealed the debate by sending a jersey and cap to the Vatican, proudly honoring their papal fan.

Born in Chicago’s Dolton suburb and a former parishioner at St. Mary of the Assumption, Pope Leo XIV has deep local roots. Despite decades of international service, including in Peru, he remains loyal to his hometown teams. He also enjoys tennis, though his papal schedule now leaves little time for the court.