Pope Leo XIV, a Chicago native, has stirred up sports fandom discussions as the first U.S. pope, initially reported as a Cubs fan. However, his brother clarified that he's a die-hard White Sox supporter. The Chicago White Sox congratulated him with a video and promised to send him team merchandise. The news has amused Chicago sports fans, with Bears supporters joking about the pope's influence. Additionally, the pope’s Villanova ties have sparked hopes that his presence might help the New York Knicks, led by Villanova alumni, secure their first NBA title since 1973.