Overview
- Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Prevost on Chicago's South Side, is the first American to lead the Catholic Church.
- Speculation about his baseball loyalty initially suggested he supported the Cubs, fueled by an ABC News report and a Cubs social media post.
- His brother, John Prevost, clarified in a WGN TV interview that the pope has always been a devoted White Sox fan.
- The Cubs organization had publicly embraced the idea of the pope being a fan, even displaying a congratulatory message at Wrigley Field, which was later proven incorrect.
- The episode highlights Chicago's deep baseball rivalry, the role of local identity in shaping public narratives, and the rapid correction of misinformation in media.