Pope Leo XIV, the first pope from the United States, has generated buzz not just for his historical election but also for his baseball allegiances. Initially, reports indicated that he was a Chicago Cubs fan, leading to a congratulatory post from the Cubs. However, his brother clarified that Leo XIV has always been a die-hard Chicago White Sox fan, a fact that has since been celebrated by the Sox with their own social media posts.

The pope's fandom has sparked playful commentary among Chicago sports fans, particularly among Chicago Bears supporters. The connection between the papacy and the sports scene in Chicago has brought a sense of excitement, with fans humorously speculating on whether the pope might influence the Bears to secure a better quarterback. As the pope supports the White Sox, the correlation between his influence and Chicago sports creates a unique narrative, uniting fans around their shared city pride.

The excitement is palpable in Montreal as fans eagerly await UFC 315, marking a decade since the UFC held an event in the city. Dana White highlighted the electric atmosphere at the Bell Centre during the press conference, emphasizing the Canadian fans' passion for mixed martial arts. The main card features high-stakes title fights, including Belal Muhammad defending his welterweight belt against Jack Della Maddalena and Valentina Shevchenko facing Manon Fiorot. White reminisced about the UFC's early days in Canada, praising the impact of legends like Georges St-Pierre on the sport's growth.

With a crowd expected to be sold out, the stakes are high for local fighters, especially Aiemann Zahabi, who aims to impress against the legendary Jose Aldo. Zahabi expressed pride in fighting at home and is prepared for a fierce battle, buoyed by the guidance of St-Pierre. The event not only signifies a return to Montreal but also reflects the UFC's resilience in the face of global challenges, reaffirming its status as a premier sports organization.

Kavan Markwood, a 20-year-old Pittsburgh Pirates fan, provided an update on his condition after a harrowing fall at PNC Park during a game against the Chicago Cubs. Celebrating Andrew McCutchen’s double, Markwood fell 21 feet, suffering severe injuries that he described as 'broken everything.' After more than a week in the hospital, he is now on the mend, having taken his first steps and transitioned out of intensive care. Despite ongoing back pain and a brain injury, he expressed gratitude for the support he's received, including over $53,000 raised on GoFundMe for his medical expenses.

Dr. Allan Philp of Allegheny General Hospital confirmed Markwood's progress, stating he is off the breathing machine and preparing for physical therapy. The incident serves as a stark reminder about safety in sports, with fans often caught in the heat of the moment. With Markwood’s resilience, he now focuses on recovery and rehabilitation.