The world of sports and faith don’t usually collide in headline-grabbing ways, but Pope Leo XIV keeps proving he’s an exception. Everyone knows about his lifelong devotion to the Chicago White Sox. The pontiff made waves recently with a spirited — and honestly hilarious — comeback to a heckler during a public appearance at the Vatican.
His quick retort, which poked fun at the Chicago Cubs’ recent playoff loss, delighted baseball fans everywhere. It also reinforced his South Side identity, even with the White Sox struggling these days.
Moments like this fit right into a long history of his visible support for the team. He’s made memorable appearances, offered personal gestures, and has real sentimental ties to White Sox legends.
Pope Leo XIV’s South Side Allegiance Runs Deep
Pope Leo XIV isn’t just some casual White Sox fan. He’s been immersed in the team’s culture for decades, raised with South Side loyalties that never wavered — not even during those brutal losing seasons.
Earlier this year, his fandom hit the spotlight when he wore a Sox cap given to him by a couple from Massachusetts. That simple gesture showed his pride in the black-and-white colors for everyone to see.
His loyalty goes way back. He attended Game 1 of the 2005 World Series, a truly historic moment for the franchise. Sitting in Section 40, Row 19, Seat 2, he watched the Sox fight for their first championship in 88 years — something any die-hard fan would dream about.
Memorable Acts of Support
That wasn’t his only big moment. The pope also sent a signed jersey to Paul Konerko, the beloved former White Sox first baseman and captain. That kind of gesture shows his support isn’t just from the stands; it’s personal and heartfelt and includes the team’s legends, too.
A Witty Vatican Moment
During a recent public gathering at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV greeted the crowd with his usual warmth. Suddenly, someone in the crowd shouted, “Go Cubs!”
It was a playful heckle, but the pope shot back instantly.
“Han perdido” — They Lost
He replied, “Han perdido” (Spanish for “They lost”), which drew laughs from the crowd. He was clearly referencing the Chicago Cubs’ recent defeat in the National League Division Series against the Milwaukee Brewers.
The Cubs had finished the regular season with a solid 92–70 record, but their playoff run ended fast. The pope seemed pretty pleased to point that out.
White Sox Struggles, Unshaken Devotion
The White Sox have had a rough few years, with three consecutive 100-loss seasons. That’s enough to test any fan’s patience, honestly.
Still, Pope Leo XIV’s enthusiasm hasn’t faded. He sticks with his team, no matter what.
Why Loyalty Matters in Sports
For lifelong fans, it’s not just about chasing wins. It’s about sticking with your team through every high and low.
This is the heart of baseball culture, especially in Chicago. Loyalty can really shape entire communities.
- Deep tradition: The White Sox have decades of history woven into South Side identity.
- Shared experience: Generations of fans have celebrated together and endured losses together.
- Civic pride: Supporting a team ties fans to the city’s spirit.
The Blend of Sport and Spirituality
The Vatican usually feels solemn, but moments like these remind us that the pontiff is just as human as the rest of us. His public comments nudge fans and admirers to see that even the most revered figures can get caught up in the everyday joys—and, let’s be honest, the rivalries—of sports.
Leo XIV, the first American-born pope, has never hidden his baseball allegiance. Sometimes he’ll throw on a White Sox cap, or maybe drop a sharp one-liner that somehow ends up in international headlines.
His South Side pride? It’s not going anywhere. Even when the White Sox slog through tough seasons, their most loyal fan sits right there in Vatican City, always ready to answer every “Go Cubs!” with a grin and a gentle reminder about where his heart really lies.
Here is the source article for this story: Pope Leo XIV has excellent retort to trolling Cubs fan
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