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05/09 19:19 CDT Pope Leo XIV is a White Sox fan --- and the organization is
embracing the occasion
Pope Leo XIV is a White Sox fan --- and the organization is embracing the
occasion
CHICAGO (AP) --- It's the biggest victory for the struggling Chicago White Sox
in a long time.
Pope Leo XIV is a White Sox fan --- and the organization is embracing the news.
Elected on Thursday, Robert Prevost is the first pope from the United States in
the history of the Catholic Church. And Prevost's brother, John, said the
Chicago-born missionary cheered for the White Sox.
"Proud moment for Chicago," White Sox manager Will Venable said before Friday
night's game against Miami. "It's awesome."
It was initially reported that the new pope was a Cubs fan. The team
congratulated Pope Leo XIV in a post on X that had a picture of Wrigley Field's
iconic marquee with the message: HEY, CHICAGO. HE'S A CUBS FAN!
But John Prevost set the record straight in an interview with WGN-TV. "He was
always a Sox fan," John said.
The White Sox posted a clip from the brother's interview on X, along with a
picture of the Rate Field videoboard with the message: HEY CHICAGO, HE'S A SOX
FAN! That message was still on the videoboard in center when the White Sox
began batting practice Friday.
Venable said he couldn't blame the Cubs.
"I get it," he said. "I think we all want the pope on our side, so I certainly
understand. But I'm glad he chose the right team."
The White Sox said they sent a jersey and a hat to the Vatican after the
announcement. The organization also congratulated the new pope in a scoreboard
graphic that was shown before Friday night's first pitch.
The White Sox are last in the AL Central this season, a year after they went
41-121 to break the post-1900 major league record for losses in a season. So
they welcomed a reason to celebrate.
"We'll take it," Venable said with a smile. "It's great to have him on our
side, for sure."
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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
