It looks like Pope Leo XIV, a Chicago native and the first U.S.-pope, has apparently confirmed which Windy City baseball team he roots for.
In a Wednesday X post, the White Sox shared a photo of the pontiff wearing the team’s cap with a caption that read: “@Pontifex representing his favorite squad.”
Audacy has already investigated the question of whether the new pope roots for the North Side’s Chicago Cubs or the South Side’s Sox and determined that he was a Sox fan. However, this photo appears to be confirmation from the Pontifex maximus himself.
MLB.com also reported the news after Pope Leo was seen out in the Vatican representing the South Side team. He grew up in South Suburban Dolton, Ill., before traveling the world in his service as a priest. CNN noted that Pope Leo broke traditional papal dress codes to give a nod to his hometown team.
MLB even found video of the pope, then known as father Robert Prevost, cheering on the Sox 20 years ago when they were in the World Series.
“We still can’t believe it,” said the Sox to a commenter on its post. On the Sox home turf at Rate Field, there’s already a display of the pope and a jersey with his name on it.
White Sox manager Will Venable also said he heard about the Pope’s choice of Sox attire prior to Wednesday night’s game against the Astros at Daikin Park.
“Yeah, I mean, it’s great. I love the support. Need it.”