In the heart of Chicago, where loyalty to either the Cubs or White Sox is definitive, it’s common for fans to identify with a team according to their location. The Cubs, beloved by the North Side, play at the iconic Wrigley Field, while the South Side’s Sox enchant locals from their Rate Field. Initially, both teams appeared eager to claim the newly elected pope as their own.
The Chicago Cubs’ spokesperson shared an ambiguous stance about His Holiness's fan status. However, Tom Ricketts, the Cubs executive chairman, extended an invitation to the pope, suggesting he could even participate in the seventh-inning stretch by singing "Take Me Out to the Ball Game." Impressive gestures quickly filled the air, including a marquee proclamation from Wrigley declaring Pope Leo XIV a Cubs fan.
However, this narrative was swiftly countered by John Prevost, who dispelled any misconceptions during an interview with WGN. “He was never, ever a Cubs fan,” Prevost confirmed. “He was always a Sox fan.” The revelation landed with the fervor expected in a city where the rivalry runs deep and demonstrated just how quickly the narrative around the pope's identity could shift.
As the dust settles, Chicago remains divided, but one thing is clear: the new pontiff is firmly rooted on the South Side.
Julie Bosman reports from Chicago, capturing the story amidst a bustling sports scene in the Midwest.
The Chicago Cubs’ spokesperson shared an ambiguous stance about His Holiness's fan status. However, Tom Ricketts, the Cubs executive chairman, extended an invitation to the pope, suggesting he could even participate in the seventh-inning stretch by singing "Take Me Out to the Ball Game." Impressive gestures quickly filled the air, including a marquee proclamation from Wrigley declaring Pope Leo XIV a Cubs fan.
However, this narrative was swiftly countered by John Prevost, who dispelled any misconceptions during an interview with WGN. “He was never, ever a Cubs fan,” Prevost confirmed. “He was always a Sox fan.” The revelation landed with the fervor expected in a city where the rivalry runs deep and demonstrated just how quickly the narrative around the pope's identity could shift.
As the dust settles, Chicago remains divided, but one thing is clear: the new pontiff is firmly rooted on the South Side.
Julie Bosman reports from Chicago, capturing the story amidst a bustling sports scene in the Midwest.
