Pope Leo XIV declines to credit himself for White Sox playoff return
The White Sox became the first MLB team to reach the playoffs after three straight 100-loss seasons, and Pope Leo XIV called the turnaround a Chicago accomplishment.
- On Friday, Pope Leo XIV deflected questions about divine intervention in the Chicago White Sox clinching a 2026 postseason berth, replying with a smile: "No comment. Great things happen in Chicago."
- Born Robert Prevost in Chicago, the 71-year-old pontiff has long supported the South Siders. Video from the 2005 World Series shows him cheering the team to their first championship in 88 years.
- Chicago's postseason appearance is historic; the club is the first to reach the playoffs following consecutive 100-loss seasons. The team endured a 41-121 record just two years ago, setting a post-1900 record for losses.
- The pontiff's cautious response reflects prior experience; he previously drew criticism for declaring support for Real Madrid while insisting "the pope is for all teams." This diplomatic caution shaped his White Sox deflection.
- Despite clinching the wild card spot on Thursday, the team remains focused on the division title. Chicago currently sits just one game behind the Cleveland Guardians as the regular season concludes.
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148 Articles
Smiling White Sox fan Pope Leo quips ‘great things happen in Chicago’
VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo’s beloved Chicago White Sox may have pulled off a miracle this year, making Major League Baseball’s playoffs for the first time since 2021. But the longtime fan of the South Siders won’t reveal if he called on a little help from on high.
(Brussels=Yonhap News) Correspondent Hyun Yun-kyung = Leo XIV, the first American Pope, [watched] the Chicago White Sox's American professional baseball playoffs, the hometown team he supports...
MLB Recap: Pope Leo on White Sox, Mets' Worst Record in 23 Years, Phillies' Struggle Exposed & More
Pope Leo, a South Side native, was never a Cubs fan. The Chicago White Sox were certain that the Pope was on their side. The White Sox made a great turnaround in 2026, securing a playoff berth after three consecutive 100+ loss seasons. When asked if Pope Leo had anything to do with it, his […]
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