Pope Leo XIV's favourite MLB team winning on first day of his Vatican tenure amuses insider

Divine timing, or just a fun coincidence? On Pope Leo XIV's first full day in the Vatican, the fortunes of two franchises changed for good. The new Bishop of Rome was born in Chicago, Illinois, and was a lifelong Chicago White Sox fan. The aptly named St. Louis Cardinals were also in action. Both teams won their respective games on the same day.

On Friday, the White Sox beat the Miami Marlins 6-2, while the Cardinals routed the Washington Nationals 10-0.

Longtime USA Today insider Bob Nightengale noted the symbolic timing as both the Chicago White Sox — reportedly Pope Leo XIV’s favorite team — and the St. Louis Cardinals secured convincing victories on Friday.

“It was only fitting that on Pope Leo XIV’s first full day in the Vatican, his favorite baseball team, the Chicago White Sox, win, and so do the Cardinals,” Nightengale said.

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How White Sox is embracing renewed attention towards them after learning Pope Leo XIV's MLB allegiance

The White Sox have not been able to draw attention to themselves with what they are doing on the field. However, Pope Leo XIV's reported allegiance to the club has brought renewed attention to Guaranteed Rate Field.

Robert Francis Provest became the first pope from the United States elected on Thursday. His brother, John Provest, said Pope Leo XIV was a White Sox fan, shattering initial rumors that he was a Cubs fan.

"He was always a Sox fan,” John told WGN-TV.

The White Sox organization was undoubtedly elated to know the new Pope was one of their own, as they put up a billboard in their home park, which said:

"HEY CHICAGO, HE’S A SOX FAN!"

The club also reposted an old message from John, which said he was a White Sox fan.

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Before Friday night’s game against Miami, White Sox manager Will Venable said:

"Proud moment for Chicago. It’s awesome ... I think we all want the Pope on our side, so I certainly understand. But I’m glad he chose the right team."

The White Sox have already sent a hat and a jersey to Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican.

About the author

Krutik Jain is a journalist who has been reporting on baseball at Sportskeeda since 2022. It was in 2018 when the baseball bug bit Krutik, and already a cricket fan, he credits baseball's rules and Clayton Kershaw's pitching to have hooked him to the game.

A Kershaw and Mookie Betts fan, Krutik rates his favorite team LA Dodgers triumphing over Tampa Bay Rays in the 2020 World Series as his best baseball moment so far. His answer to the perennial "one player from the past you could meet" question is Jackie Robinson. Despite never having seen him play, Robinson's impact, legacy and trail-blazing journey have left an indelible impact on Krutik.

A rigorous fact-checker, Krutik likes reporting on the technical aspects of the game as well as off-field elements. When not watching baseball, Krutik is busy playing cricket, staying up to date with the happenings around the world and hiking.

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Edited by Veer Badani