During the Thursday evening, it became clear that Leo XIV, or Robert Francis Prevost as he is actually called, will become the new pope. Thus, he will be the first Nordic pope throughout history.
And as an American – born in Chicago – there is, of course, a predilection for one of the country's largest sports, baseball. But which team he supports is a subject of divided opinions.
Immediately after he was elected to his historic new role, it was reported that Prevost is a Chicago Cubs supporter, whereupon the club boasted in social media about his team affiliation.
"Hello Chicago, he is a Cubs fan!", read the text on a large screen outside the arena.
But shortly thereafter, his brother, John Prevost, laid out the text in an interview with the local channel WGN-TV.
He has never ever been a Cubs fan. I do not know where it comes from, he has always been a Chicago White Sox fan, he said.
Then it did not take long before the pope's favorite club responded with a clear pass to its city rival.
"No, but look at... Congratulations to Chicago's own Leo XIV", wrote White Sox on social media followed by an image of a large screen at their arena just over a mile away:
"Hello Chicago, he is a Sox fan!"
So far, the pope himself has not expressed himself about which team is actually in his heart, but Chicago White Sox are clear about what they believe.
"It is important to trust the family, and it sounds like the pope's lifelong supportership leans a bit closer to 35th and Shields (the address where White Sox arena is located)", wrote the club later in a press release.
