Pope Leo XIV’s Election Ignites Sports Fandom Debate with Bears’ Williams and Knicks’ Villanova Stars

The election of Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pontiff, has sparked a lively debate about his sports allegiances, with Chicago at the heart of the conversation. A Chicago Sun-Times photo showing Cardinal Robert Prevost, now Leo XIV, donning a Chicago White Sox jersey at the 2005 World Series has fueled speculation about his fandom. Born in Chicago and a 1977 Villanova University graduate, the new pope’s ties to the Windy City and its sports culture are undeniable.

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams couldn’t resist chiming in, posting a succinct and enthusiastic "Daaaaaa Pope" on X shortly after the election. Williams, navigating a rocky rookie season with the Bears’ 5-12 record, seems to find a spark of hope in the new pope’s Chicago roots. While it’s unclear if Leo XIV cheers for the Bears, the team’s recent moves—hiring head coach Ben Johnson and bolstering their offensive line with Drew Dalman, Joe Thuney, and Jonah Jackson—give fans plenty to dream about for 2025.

Meanwhile, Leo XIV’s Villanova connection has taken on a life of its own. Three former Villanova stars are powering the New York Knicks through an electrifying NBA playoff run, erasing 20-point deficits to take a 2-0 lead over the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Social media lit up with a photoshopped image of the pope alongside the Knicks’ trio, blending faith and fandom in true internet fashion.

From Chicago’s sports scene to New York’s playoff fever, Pope Leo XIV’s election has woven a unique thread through America’s athletic landscape, proving that even the papacy can’t escape the pull of a good game.