Which Sports Teams Does Pope Leo XIV Support: What We Know

Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, has spoken fondly and frequently about his enduring love for tennis. However, the Chicago native's favorite Major League Baseball team seems to be a matter of debate.

It was during his extended time living in Peru that Prevost said he developed a deep appreciation for tennis, finding in it both a physical outlet and a complement to his spiritual life.

"I consider myself a big tennis fan," he said in an interview published on augustinianorder.org several years ago. "Since leaving Peru, I haven't had many chances to play, so I'm really looking forward to getting back on the court."

"I'd call myself a very amateur player," he added with humility.

Is Pope Leo XIV a Cubs or White Sox Fan?

Regarding baseball, there has been some lighthearted debate about his allegiance.

After Thursday's announcement from the Vatican, Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs, declared on its marquee that newly elected Pope Leo XIV is a fan of the Windy City's northside MLB team.

The marquee read in all caps, "Hey Chicago, He's a Cubs Fan!"

However, his brother has stated that Prevost has always supported the southside's Chicago White Sox. The new Pontiff grew up in the southside neighborhood of Dolton.

His brother, John Prevost, told Chicago's WGN News that he "was never, ever a Cubs fan," emphasizing that he's "always been a Sox fan." He added that their mother rooted for the Cubs, while their father supported the St. Louis Cardinals.

Regardless of the specific team, his Chicago roots have endeared him to fans of both franchises on social media.

Pope Leo is a Villanova University Graduate

Additionally, Pope Leo XIV's connection to Philadelphia-based Villanova University, his alma mater, has resonated with basketball fans.

Notably, several Villanova alumni currently play for the New York Knicks, leading some fans, including Spike Lee, to humorously speculate about a divine influence on the team's recent successes in the NBA playoffs.

Lee posted on Instagram, "The VATICAN voted in ROBERT FRANCIS PREVOST as their 267th PONTIFF. He is the 1st POPE from the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, born in Chicago, Illinois. And for my NEW YORK KNICKS fans—his alma mater is VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY (BRUNSON, HART, and BRIDGES won NCAA rings at Villanova). What a holy blessing.

THE KNICKERBOCKERS ARE GONNA WIN THE 2024–2025 NBA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP. IT IS DIVINITY. GOD BLESS.

And that's the holy truth, Ruth. Ya dig? Sho' nuff."

Pope Leo XIV Succeeds Avid Soccer Fan, Pope Francis

The late Pope Francis was a well-known fan of soccer, or football as it's known in much of the world and openly embraced the sport as both a personal passion and a cultural bridge. Born in Buenos Aires, he long supported San Lorenzo de Almagro, a major Argentine football club founded by a group of young Catholics and a priest—something that likely deepened his affinity. He spoke fondly of the team and even received San Lorenzo players at the Vatican after their 2013 league championship win, just months after his election to the papacy.

Throughout his tenure, Francis often used soccer as a metaphor in sermons and speeches, praising its ability to promote teamwork, discipline and social inclusion. He encouraged players and fans to reject violence and corruption in the sport and instead embrace its potential for unity and peace.