Pope Leo XIV’s brother says he’s a Chicago White Sox fan after Cubs claim him in social media post
Pope Leo XIV’s Brother Declares White Sox Fandom After Cubs Social Media Gaffe: A Vatican Baseball Blunder
VATICAN CITY – [Current Date, e.g., June 3, 2025] – In a development that has sent ripples of amusement and mild consternation through both the hallowed halls of the Vatican and the passionate baseball enclaves of Chicago, Pope Leo XIV’s younger brother, Father Alessandro Pontifex, has publicly declared his allegiance to the Chicago White Sox. This unexpected revelation came after a social media post from the Chicago Cubs inadvertently claimed the Pontiff as a fan, leading to a swift and rather pointed clarification from his sibling.
The incident began innocently enough. Following a recent papal address that subtly referenced themes of unity and perseverance – concepts often invoked in the context of baseball’s long seasons – the Chicago Cubs’ official social media account posted a graphic featuring an artistic rendering of a figure resembling Pope Leo XIV, accompanied by the caption, “Even His Holiness knows where true faith lies! Welcome to the Cubbie faithful, Your Holiness!” The post, clearly intended as a lighthearted gesture of welcome to a perceived high-profile supporter, quickly went viral, drawing smiles from Cubs fans and a few raised eyebrows from those familiar with the Vatican’s strict neutrality in secular matters.
However, the playful claim took an unexpected turn when Father Alessandro Pontifex, known for his dry wit and, as it now appears, his deep-seated baseball loyalties, issued a statement through the Vatican press office. “While my esteemed brother, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, holds all people in his prayers and wishes well to all endeavors that foster community and joy, I must clarify a recent misunderstanding,” Father Alessandro’s statement began. “His Holiness, to my knowledge, has no particular affiliation with any sporting club. As for myself,” the statement continued, with a flourish that surprised many, “I have, for many decades, been a steadfast and proud supporter of the Chicago White Sox. My heart belongs to the South Side.”
The declaration immediately ignited a social media firestorm, with White Sox fans reveling in the unexpected endorsement from a member of the papal family. Hashtags like #SoxInTheVatican and #HolyRollerSox began trending, while Cubs fans, initially amused, quickly shifted to good-natured banter and mock outrage. The Cubs’ social media team, perhaps a little red-faced, promptly deleted the original post and issued a follow-up tweet: “Our apologies for the misunderstanding! We respect all baseball allegiances and are just happy to see the love for Chicago baseball, even from afar. Go Cubs, and… go Chicago!” The subtle inclusion of “go Chicago!” was seen as a diplomatic attempt to bridge the crosstown divide.
Father Alessandro’s revelation has opened a fascinating window into the personal life of the Pontiff’s family, reminding the world that even those connected to the highest spiritual office have their earthly passions. Sources close to the Pontifex family, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed Father Alessandro’s long-standing devotion to the White Sox. “He’s always had a soft spot for the underdog, you know,” one source chuckled. “And he appreciates the grit, the blue-collar spirit of the South Side. He’d sneak off to listen to games on the radio when he was a young seminarian, even when he was supposed to be studying theology.”
The White Sox organization, quick to capitalize on the unexpected publicity, issued a statement expressing their delight. “We are honored to count Father Alessandro Pontifex among our loyal fans,” read the statement from the White Sox. “His support from the Vatican is truly a blessing. We extend an open invitation for him to throw out the first pitch at Guaranteed Rate Field whenever his schedule permits. Perhaps His Holiness would even join him for a game on the South Side!” This playful invitation further fueled the cross-town rivalry, with Cubs fans jokingly suggesting a “holy war” for baseball supremacy.
The incident highlights the unique and often unpredictable nature of social media in the modern era, where a simple, well-intentioned post can inadvertently trigger a global conversation. It also underscores the deep-seated passion that sports, particularly baseball, can evoke, transcending cultural, geographical, and even religious boundaries. For Chicago baseball fans, it’s another chapter in the storied rivalry between the Cubs and the White Sox, now with an unexpected, albeit humorous, Vatican twist.
Beyond the immediate amusement, the episode has prompted discussions about the role of public figures, even those in religious leadership, in popular culture. While Pope Leo XIV himself remains meticulously neutral, his brother’s candid admission serves as a reminder of the human element behind the robes and titles. It also provides a rare glimpse into the personal preferences of individuals within institutions often perceived as monolithic and detached.
The Vatican, typically reserved in commenting on such secular matters, handled the situation with characteristic grace and a touch of humor. A spokesperson, while reiterating the Pope’s universal pastoral care, acknowledged Father Alessandro’s personal freedom. “Father Alessandro is a man of deep faith and also a man with personal interests, like any other,” the spokesperson stated. “His enthusiasm for baseball, and indeed for the White Sox, is a personal matter and does not reflect on the Holy See’s stance on sporting allegiances.” This diplomatic response effectively diffused any potential for serious controversy, turning what could have been a minor gaffe into a charming anecdote.
For the city of Chicago, a metropolis deeply divided by its baseball loyalties, the news has been met with a mix of laughter, pride, and renewed debate. Talk radio segments have been dominated by discussions of “Vatican vs. Wrigleyville,” and local sports columnists have penned humorous pieces speculating on the implications of a papal family member’s fandom. Souvenir shops on the South Side are already reportedly considering “Holy Roller Sox” merchandise, while Cubs fans are jokingly demanding a “papal bull” against the White Sox.
The story serves as a testament to the enduring power of sports to connect people, even across vast distances and disparate walks of life. It’s a reminder that beneath the grandeur of their roles, individuals share common human experiences, including the joy and frustration of following a favorite sports team. Father Alessandro Pontifex, through his simple declaration, has inadvertently become a symbol of this universal connection, bridging the sacred and the secular in a most unexpected way.
As the dust settles, the “Vatican baseball blunder” will likely be remembered as a quirky footnote in the annals of both papal history and Chicago sports lore. It’s a story that brought a smile to many faces, sparked lively debate, and offered a refreshing dose of humanity from an unexpected source. And for White Sox fans, it’s a moment of unexpected triumph, a divine endorsement that they will undoubtedly cherish – and perhaps even invoke – in future crosstown classic matchups. The question now remains: will Pope Leo XIV ever be seen sporting a White Sox cap, perhaps for a private moment of brotherly solidarity? Only time, and perhaps another social media gaffe, will tell