Pope Leo XIV’s Sports Passion: White Sox Glory and Villanova Knicks Love

In a delightful twist, Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, is stealing headlines not for his spiritual leadership but for his deep-rooted love of sports. Hailing from Chicago, Robert Prevost’s passion for the Chicago White Sox has captured global attention as the team makes a rare World Series appearance. Social media lit up with rediscovered footage from the 2005 World Series, showing a younger Prevost cheering at U.S. Cellular Field during Game 1. The White Sox clinched a 5-3 victory over the Houston Astros that night, en route to their first championship since 1917—a moment Prevost clearly cherished.

His brother, John Prevost, spilled the beans to Chicago’s WGN-TV, confirming Leo’s lifelong devotion to the Sox. 'He’s always been a Sox fan,' John said, painting a picture of a pope who’s as comfortable in the bleachers as he is in the Vatican.

But baseball isn’t the only game in Leo’s heart. A proud alumnus of Villanova University, the pontiff has a soft spot for the New York Knicks, thanks to their roster of Villanova alumni like Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Mikal Bridges. Reverend Robert Hagan, a close friend and Villanova chaplain, shared that Leo keeps tabs on the 'Nova Knicks,' admiring their unselfish play and spirited teamwork. 'He’s proud of how they carry themselves,' Hagan noted, suggesting the pope’s fandom extends to Villanova’s Wildcats as well.

Before donning the papal tiara, Prevost’s journey took him from Chicago to Peru, where he served as a key figure in the Catholic Church, eventually earning Peruvian citizenship. His rise to cardinal and pope under Francis reflects his alignment with progressive teachings, but it’s his sports enthusiasm that’s now winning hearts worldwide. From the South Side to Madison Square Garden, Pope Leo XIV proves you can lead the faithful and still root for the home team.