Context:

Robert Prevost, a Chicago native, was named the new pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV, becoming the first North American and Peruvian to hold the position. Amidst the celebrations, a question arose regarding his allegiance to Chicago's baseball teams. Although initially reported as a Cubs fan, his brother John clarified that Prevost has always been a White Sox supporter, influenced by his South Side upbringing. Despite differing family allegiances, with his mother supporting the Cubs and father the Cardinals, Robert's connection to Comiskey Park and attendance at the 2005 World Series reinforces his White Sox loyalty. Prevost's new role as pope brings attention to his sporting preferences, potentially offering the struggling White Sox a high-profile supporter during challenging times.

Dive Deeper:

• Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, is the first North American and Peruvian to become the pope, marking a significant milestone in the Catholic Church's history. His appointment was celebrated with much pomp in Vatican City, drawing attention to his roots in Chicago.

• A debate emerged about Prevost's baseball allegiance, with initial reports incorrectly labeling him as a Cubs fan. This confusion was cleared up by his brother, who confirmed Prevost's long-standing support for the White Sox, despite their recent poor performance.

• John Prevost explained that their mother's family were Cubs fans due to their North Side residence, while their father supported the Cardinals, leaving Robert as the sole White Sox enthusiast in the family.

• Prevost's affinity for the White Sox is possibly tied to his South Side origins, with Comiskey Park's proximity playing a role in his fandom. His attendance at the 2005 World Series game further solidifies his connection to the team.

• The White Sox's current struggles could benefit from having someone as influential as Pope Leo XIV as a fan, potentially bringing a morale boost and divine support to the team.

• Robert Prevost spent much of his adult life in Trujillo, Peru, contributing significantly to the local Catholic community before returning to his hometown roots in Chicago, where his early life was shaped.

• David Suggs, who reported on Prevost's papacy, is a content producer known for his personal interest in sports and culture, providing context and background to Prevost's Chicago ties.

• White smoke trickled through the air in Vatican City on Thursday afternoon, signaling the appointment of the Bishop of Rome — better known as the pope.

• When the supreme pontiff was unveiled to the masses of parishioners who pooled into the plaza at St. Peter's Square, it carried a special significance. Peruvian-American Robert Prevost was named head of the Catholic Church, becoming the first North American, first Peruvian and seventh Augustinian priest to receive the honor.

• Unsurprisingly, the matriculation of Prevost, christened with the papal name Pope Leo XIV, to the Catholic Church's most prestigious position had people talking. And amongst the pomp and circumstance of Thursday's events, came a simple — and perhaps appropriate — question for the Chicago native: is the new pope a Cubs or White Sox fan?

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• Here's what you need to know.

• Is Robert Prevost a Cubs or White Sox fan?

  ABC News initially reported that Prevost is, in fact, a Cubs fan.

• It's easy to see why — as a soon-to-be 70-year-old who grew up in Chicago's south side, Prevost bore witness to a host of Windy City icons past and present, from Ernie Banks and Ron Santo to Fergie Jenkins and Ryne Sandberg.

• His brother disagreed, however. In an interview with WGN, Prevost's brother, John, confirmed that his sporting allegiance lied with the White Sox, not the Cubbies, as previously believed.

• "He was never, ever a Cubs fan," John Prevost said. "So, I don't know where that came from." 

• John Prevost explained that he and Robert's mother was a Cubs supporter, while his father rooted for the Cardinals.

• "Our mom's family was from North Side so that's why they were Cubs fans," John Prevost said.

• So, where did his brother's fandom come from? He's the only member of his family to The Sox, according to John Prevost.

• Perhaps it's a reflection of his South Side roots; Comiskey Park was located in the southernmost part of the city, making it fairly accessible for young Robert. To add to the White Sox side, Prevost attended Game 1 of the 2005 World Series featuring the Sox. 

• Pope Leo XIV made the broadcast while at Game 1 of the 2005 World Series
  
  pic.twitter.com/VGSqkRFsSB

• — Joe Binder (@JoeBinder) May 9, 2025 The South Siders recent struggles might have made that decision a bit less palatable. After posting the worst record in MLB history, the White Sox could use some divine intervention to get themselves back into MLB's good graces.

• Still, they have perhaps the most famous person in the world rooting for their success. That's got to count for something, surely?

• Where is Robert Prevost from?

  Prevost spent much of his adult life in Trujillo, a coastal northwestern town in Peru where he taught canon law, served as a judge on the region's ecclesiastical court and lent his services to the city's Roman Catholic Archdiocese.

• But the Villanova alum cut his teeth in Chicago, his beloved hometown, growing up on the south side of the city.