While Pope Leo XIV was born in Chicago and roots for Chicago sports teams, the Cubs are a notable exception. He’s a White Sox fan through and through.
But it turns out that even Pope Leo isn’t safe from some friendly sports banter.
A couple weeks ago, someone shouted “Go Cubs!” at Pope Leo in Vatican City. To which, Pope Leo responded, “Han perdido! They lost!”
That message appeared to stick with Mar Awa III, patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East, who is also from Chicago. On Tuesday, Patriarch Awa visited the Vatican and presented Pope Leo with a customized Cubs jersey. Pope Leo was a great sport about the joke, but I don’t think that jersey will be getting much use.
Patriarch Awa wrote:
had the joy of meeting His Holiness Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican this morning, along with a delegation of bishops and priests of our holy Church. During the exchange of gifts, I presented the pope with a customized Cubs jersey and hat (in honor of all of our north side Chicagoans). Needless to say, the pope enjoyed his gift very much ☺️
Well, that photo will certainly get some play next season. That’s for sure.