Pope Leo XIV's three surprising connections to the sports world

The White Sox faithful have been suffering as the team continues to produce miserable results on the diamond. The White Sox haven't seen postseason action since the 2021 season and are unlikely to break that trend in 2025. Of course, the 2024 White Sox were historically bad, losing an MLB-record 121 games. Perhaps having a high-profile fan at the Vatican can help the franchise turn things around.

For their part, the White Sox have claimed him.

“Family always knows best, and it sounds like Pope Leo XIV’s lifelong fandom follows a little closer to 35th and Shields,” the Sox said in a statement, referring to Rate Field, via the Chicago Tribune. “Some things are bigger than baseball, and in this case we’re glad to have a White Sox fan represented at the Vatican. A pinstripe White Sox jersey with his name on it and a hat already are on the way to Rome, and of course, the Pontiff always is welcome at the ballpark.”

His election highlights the Bears' ineptitude 

On his X account on Thursday, Dan Treacy of The Sporting News tweeted, "Chicago produced a pope before a [4,000-passing-yard] quarterback."

While this seems like a joke, it's true. The Bears have never had a QB throw for 4,000 or more passing yards in a season, via Pro Football Reference.

QB Caleb Williams may have a decent shot at becoming the first Bear to hit this mark. During his rookie season in 2024, the No. 1 overall pick had 3,541 passing yards in 17 games. 

Until that happens, the Bears will be considered a scrap heap for QBs. Since 2000, Chicago has started 29 QBs, including the 2022 Heisman winner.

He has a tenuous connection to the Knicks 

Prevost attended Villanova, where he earned a degree in math in 1977, via the school. He earned his divinity degree at the Catholic Theological Union, a graduate school in Chicago, in 1982.

The New York Knicks feature three former Villanova stars: forward Mikal Bridges and guards Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart. In an Instagram post on Thursday, director Spike Lee — a Knicks superfan — wrote that Prevost's election is a "holy blessing" for the team.

Bridges, Brunson and Hart won a national championship at Villanova during the 2015-16 season. Now, they aim to carry the Knicks to their first championship since the 1972-73 season. 

New York leads the Boston Celtics 2-0 in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Game 3 is on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC. This is just a coincidence, though, and doesn't mean the Knicks are destined to hoist the Larry O'Brien Trophy.