“In the hallowed halls of St. Peter’s Basilica, a secret has long been hidden behind the ornate vestments and solemn demeanor of the papacy. But as the world watches the Chicago White Sox make their unlikely ascent to the World Series spotlight, a fascinating revelation has emerged: Pope Leo XIV, the spiritual leader of over a billion Catholics worldwide, is a die-hard sports enthusiast. The Pontiff’s previously unknown allegiances to the South Siders have sent shockwaves through the Vatican and beyond, but that’s not all – whispers of his surprising ties to Villanova basketball and the New York Knicks are also coming to light. In an era where faith and sports often intersect, the Pope’s concealed passion for competitive athletics raises intriguing questions about the intersection of spirituality and fandom. Join us as we delve into the remarkable story of Pope Leo XIV’s sports fandom, and explore what this unexpected revelation might mean for the Catholic Church and the world of sports.”
Pope Leo XIV’s Sports Fandom Coming to Light with White Sox World Series Appearance, Villanova-Knicks Ties
NEW You can now listen to Fox News articles! As the first-ever Pope to hail from the U.S., Robert Prevost’s American sports ties quickly became a point of global conversation after he was appointed Pope Leo XIV. As a Chicago native, Prevost’s White Sox fandom came to light this week, and it turns out he’s not just a casual fan either.
Footage of Prevost attending Game 1 of the 2005 World Series surfaced on social media Friday. By pure chance, Prevost was shown on the MLB on FOX broadcast for that game at U.S. Cellular Field on Oct. 22, 2005, and the cameras caught him during the top of the ninth inning as the White Sox were clinching a 5-3 win over the Houston Astros.
The White Sox went on to win the series in a four-game sweep, for their only championship since 1917. Prevost was first revealed as a White Sox fan when his brother, John Prevost, mentioned it in an interview with WGN-TV. “He was always a Sox fan,” John said.
Beyond Baseball
Pope Leo XIV’s ties to Villanova University and the New York Knicks also came to light this week. Reverend Robert P. Hagan, a friend of Prevost’s and a chaplain at the Pope’s alma mater, Villanova University, told The Athletic about Prevost’s link to the New York Knicks and their star lineup of former Villanova players.
“We’ve had a lot of fun watching the Knicks, because Jalen (Brunson) and Josh (Hart) and Donte (DiVincenzo) was there, and now Mikal (Bridges) is there,” Hagan said. “I think that Pope Leo will still keep an eye on the Nova Knicks. I think he’ll still keep an eye on the Wildcats, and I think he’ll be very proud of not just who they are but the way that they play with a certain spirit and unselfishness.”
Reactions from the Sports World
Former White Sox pitcher Erick Fedde had a hilarious reaction when he found out about Pope Leo XIV’s favorite baseball team. Fedde, 32, is now a member of the St. Louis Cardinals and was asked about Pope Leo XIV’s White Sox fandom Friday.
“Well, maybe he had to pray a few times watching us,” Fedde said via the New York Post.
Fedde was part of the White Sox team that went a putrid 41-121 last season, setting the record for most losses by a team in modern MLB history. A video surfaced online Friday of Prevost in the crowd wearing White Sox gear during the 2005 World Series when the White Sox played the Houston Astros.
The White Sox swept the Astros to win that World Series but have not won a playoff series since then. Fedde was one of the lone bright spots from last season’s dreadful White Sox team. He went 7-4 in 21 starts with a 3.11 ERA and was traded to the Cardinals at the trade deadline. This season has not been a lot better for the White Sox, who are 11-28 and already 15 games behind the first-place Detroit Tigers in the AL Central.
Fedde is 3-3 with a 3.86 ERA with the Cardinals this season. In his most recent game against the Washington Nationals, he pitched a complete-game shutout.
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Conclusion
As the curtain closes on Pope Leo XIV’s unexpected sports fandom, one thing is clear: the leader of the Catholic Church is not just a man of the cloth, but a man of the people. From his surprising allegiance to the White Sox during their World Series appearance to his little-known connection to Villanova and the Knicks, Pope Leo XIV has proven that even the most unlikely of individuals can have a passion that transcends borders and boundaries.
The significance of this revelation goes beyond mere entertainment value. It humanizes the Pope, making him more relatable and accessible to a wider audience. It also highlights the power of sports to unite people across cultures and faiths. In an era marked by division and discord, the Pope’s fandom serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of shared experiences and common ground.