History was made in Rome, but Chicago sports fans felt the tremors back home. Cardinal Robert Prevost became Pope Leo XIV, marking the first time an American has ascended to the papacy. But as the Vatican welcomed its new spiritual leader, fans in the Windy City and beyond began asking a more earthly question—where do his sports loyalties lie?
From the South Side to St. Peter’s Square
Born in Chicago and a proud alumnus of Villanova University, Pope Leo XIV’s roots run deep in both Midwest grit and Philly hoops culture. At first, it was rumored he bled Cubbie blue. The Cubs even jumped the gun, plastering a congratulatory message on the Wrigley Field marquee. But that holy alliance quickly fell apart when the Pope’s brother, John Prevost, corrected the record—Leo XIV is a White Sox fan through and through.
White Sox Nation responded with righteous joy, posting a photo of the Rate Field scoreboard that read,
“HEY CHICAGO, HE’S A SOX FAN!”
The team even announced they’re sending the Holy Father his very own White Sox jersey and cap to Rome. “A fan from 35th and Shields now has Vatican views,” they joked.
Bears Fans Seek a Blessing
In a city aching for football redemption, Bears fans couldn’t resist the moment. Some joked that Chicago finally found a pope before it found a quarterback. Others saw a higher calling: perhaps the Bears would no longer be cursed on Hail Mary plays. Even rookie QB Caleb Williams chimed in on X with a gleeful, “Daaaaaa Pope.”
Villanova Ties and the Knicks’ Heavenly Run
Meanwhile, in the NBA world, Knicks fans believe the stars—or perhaps the saints—are aligning. With a roster powered by Villanova alums Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Mikal Bridges, New York has stormed to a 2-0 series lead over the defending champion Celtics. The Knicks erased double-digit deficits in both games, and fans are crediting divine energy.
Social media lit up with photoshopped images of the Pope alongside the Villanova trio.
“The Pope is a Nova guy. Knicks might just win the whole thing,” one fan wrote. Another added, “Villanova gave us three starters and a Pope this week. What a run.”
The Rise of the ‘Nova Knicks’
Nicknamed the “Nova Knicks,” this New York squad has leaned hard into its collegiate chemistry. Even after trading Donte DiVincenzo and Julius Randle, the team landed Mikal Bridges from the Nets, giving them yet another Wildcats connection. With Bridges turning in clutch plays, including a game-saving steal against Jayson Tatum, the postseason momentum feels almost…miraculous.
The Power of Faith, Hope, and a Jumper
So now, as Knicks fans pray for their first NBA title since 1973 and White Sox supporters dream of resurrection, one thing is clear—Pope Leo XIV has become an unlikely symbol of hope. Whether divine intervention is really in play or just a fun coincidence, it’s the kind of sports story that reminds us all to believe. After all, if the Sox have a pope and the Knicks have Villanova, anything might be possible.
Your daily dose of sports action starts at DanredSports.com—where passion meets reporting!