Pope Leo XIV declines to credit himself for White Sox playoff return

Pope Leo XIV's response to a reporter's inquiry about the Chicago White Sox's unexpected return to the playoffs was a resounding "No comment." The pontiff, a Chicago-born and raised lifelong fan of the White Sox, expressed his delight with a smile, emphasizing that great things happen in Chicago. Despite his apparent enthusiasm for the team, the Pope's answer may have been cautious, given his previous experience of facing criticism for expressing personal preferences for specific teams.

In June, he had stated, "The pope is for all teams," but had inadvertently stirred controversy by admitting that he personally roots for Real Madrid, a move that offended soccer fans in Barcelona who saw it as an endorsement of one of the biggest rivalries in club football. The White Sox's playoff resurgence had recently garnered significant attention, with the team proudly posting a video of their success and igniting discussions on social media about the team's newfound connection to the Pope.