The new Pope Leo XIV: A White Sox fanatic who was present at the 2005 World Series

Chicago. — The baseball world was taken by surprise this week after learning that the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, formerly known as Robert Prevost, is a passionate fan of the Chicago White Sox. Even more surprising: the new pontiff was present at Game 1 of the 2005 World Series at the then U.S. Cellular Field.

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Prevost, a Chicago native and lifelong “Palehose” fan, attended the game with friends, including Ed Schmit, as revealed by the Chicago Sun-Times. At that time he was known as “Father Bob,” and was even briefly captured on the FOX broadcast during the game against the Houston Astros.

His fondness for the White Sox is no secret to those who knew him in his years as a priest in Chicago. “He was always very close to my dad, and he used to say to him: ‘Father Bob, you are going to be the next pope’,” commented Heidi Skokal, Schmit’s daughter.

The new pope’s baseball identity became clear this week when his brother told WGN News that Leo XIV “was always a White Sox fan.” The Chicago team honored him on Friday with a moving tribute video before the start of the game.

This historic link between the Vatican and North American baseball has generated a wave of sympathy on social media, especially among fans of the White Sox, who celebrate that one of their own has reached the papal throne. Source: Las Mayores