Sports loyalties

Pope Leo spent his formative years in the suburb of Dolton and was a regular attendee at Mass at St. Mary of the Assumption, situated on Chicago’s Far Southeast Side, according to the Sun-Times.

During a Thursday press conference, Sister Barbara Reid — president of the Catholic Theological Union, where Prevost once studied — spoke highly of him, saying: “He’s an exceptional individual with a sharp mind and a heart expansive enough to embrace the entire world, especially those living on the margins.”

Though much of his adult life has been devoted to serving the Church overseas, particularly in Peru, Pope Leo has always remained connected to his Chicago roots — and his loyalty to South Side sports has never wavered.

Pope’s favorite soccer team

A graduate of Villanova University in 1977, Pope Leo has maintained a lifelong love for sports. Long before becoming pope, Robert Prevost proudly demonstrated his South Side allegiance by attending the 2005 World Series at Guaranteed Rate Field to support the Chicago White Sox.

His athletic interests extend beyond baseball — Prevost also enjoys tennis and considers himself a casual player.

In a 2023 interview, he described himself as an amateur tennis fan, saying, “Since leaving Peru, I haven’t had many chances to play, so I’m hoping to return to the court soon — though this new role hasn’t exactly given me much free time.”

In addition, Pope Leo has been a devoted follower of Alianza Lima, a well-known soccer team in Peru, according to various reports.