Wordle, White Sox and more: Fast facts about Pope Leo XIV
Share this @internewscast.com

Pope Leo XIV, now the successor of St. Peter, leads the 1.4 billion-strong Catholic Church in a sacred role that few others will ever hold.

But because of that, some supremely relatable facts about the new pope have emerged about his background, hobbies and life in general.

Chicago native and Augustinian missionary, Robert Prevost, made history on May 8 by becoming the first American pope in the church’s 2,000-year existence. Known as Pope Leo, the 69-year-old dedicated much of his career to serving in Peru, before transitioning to lead the Vatican’s influential office of bishops, eventually succeeding Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21.

Here are fast facts about Leo XIV:

A grand slam for some Chicago baseball fans

As word spread of Leo’s hometown roots, a very Chicago question followed: Cubs or White Sox?

There was some confusion about Pope Leo’s baseball loyalty, with rumors suggesting he supported the Chicago Cubs. However, in a conversation with WGN-TV, his brother John Prevost clarified the pope’s true MLB team preference. It turns out, Pope Leo is a dedicated White Sox supporter.

“He was never a Cubs fan, so I don’t know where that rumor started. He was always into the Sox,” John confirmed, suggesting that the mix-up could be due to their mother’s family’s North Side and Cubs-supporting roots.

Another Grand Slam sport

When he has the time, the pope picks up a tennis racquet.

“I consider myself quite the amateur tennis player,” Leo said in a 2023 interview with the Augustinian Order after taking over the Vatican’s powerful Dicastery for Bishops following years as a missionary in Peru.

“Since leaving Peru, I have had few occasions to practice so I am looking forward to getting back on the court,” Leo added. “Not that this new job has left me much free time for it so far.”

Prevost played tennis once or twice a month with other faith leaders on the courts of the Chiclayo Jockey Club, said the Rev. Jorge Millán, a priest who lived with Leo in Peru.

A citizen of Peru, too

Though born in Chicago, Leo spent several years working in Peru, including as the bishop of Chiclayo. He acquired Peruvian citizenship in 2015.

That makes Pope Leo a dual citizen of the United States and Peru — and the first pope for either country.

After his election was announced, bells tolled at the cathedral in Peru’s capital of Lima and at Holy Name Cathedral in downtown Chicago.

Mathematics and an Augustinian education

Leo knows his way around an equation.

As an undergraduate, Leo studied math at Villanova University, an Augustinian school outside of Philadelphia. He graduated in 1977 with a bachelor of science in mathematics, said university President the Rev. Peter Donohue, noting the pope is a Villanova basketball fan, too.

In 2014, the pope also received an honorary Doctor of Humanities, honoris causa, from the university, Donohue said. Leo also hosted Villanova officials in Rome that year.

Word puzzles with his brother

Leo regularly talks to his Illinois-based brother by phone, said John Prevost. They discuss everything from politics to religion and even play the day’s Wordle, he said.

The popular New York Times puzzle gives players six chances to guess a five-letter word correctly.

___

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Homeowners await Rebuild Florida aid 8 years after Irma

Eight Years After Irma, Homeowners Still Waiting for Rebuild Florida Assistance

State Senator Clay Yarborough is calling for action after seeing firsthand the…
Trial day 2 explores evidence in Prince Holland case

Second Day of Hearings Delves into Prince Holland Case Evidence

Jurors were shown of crime scene photos, walked through bullet-ridden evidence and…
Manchester Mosque Hires Sharia Law Administrator

Manchester Mosque Appoints Sharia Law Coordinator

England is quietly becoming the Western capital of Sharia law courts —…
Hulk Hogan’s family exploring medical malpractice lawsuit, court docs indicate

Court Documents Suggest Hulk Hogan’s Family Considering Medical Malpractice Lawsuit

The family of Hulk Hogan is contemplating filing a medical malpractice lawsuit…
Woman caught on camera allegedly lunging at MAGA activist in viral confrontation

Video Allegedly Shows Woman Confronting MAGA Supporter in Viral Altercation

A physical confrontation at Washington, D.C.’s Union Station went viral after conservative…
Tim Allen puts things in 'reverse' for season debut of ABC's 'Shifting Gears,' invites some special visitors from his TV past

Tim Allen Rewinds for ABC’s ‘Shifting Gears’ Season Premiere, Welcomes Special Guests from Past TV Shows

BURBANK, Calif. — “Shifting Gears” is revving up for its second season.…
Missing woman's body found behind secret attic entrance in Northern California home

Remains of Missing Woman Discovered Behind Hidden Attic Door in Northern California House

Police say they found the body of a missing woman behind a…
New Mexico Legislature approves bills to prop up rural health care, underwrite food assistance

New Mexico Lawmakers Pass Bills to Support Rural Healthcare and Fund Food Aid

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — In response to President Donald Trump’s reductions…
ICE in Chicago: Barricades set up for designated protest zones near Broadview ICE facility; Air Force veteran Dana Briggs arrested

Barricades Established for Protest Zones Near Chicago’s Broadview ICE Facility; Air Force Veteran Dana Briggs Among Those Arrested

BROADVIEW, Ill. (WLS) — Protesters rallied outside the Broadview U.S. Immigration and…
Des Moines Public School Board accepts superintendent's resignation after ICE arrest

Ex-Des Moines Schools Superintendent Arrested by DOJ on Federal Firearms and Immigration Charges

The former Iowa school district superintendent detained by immigration authorities last week…
Rifle behind Charlie Kirk’s killing may be untraceable relic from WWI

Expert Identifies Vulnerability in Prosecution’s Case Against Charlie Kirk’s Alleged Assassination

PROVO, Utah — A key challenge in the prosecution’s case against Tyler…
Texas sheriff arrested by his own deputies, now faces new charge for lying to grand jury

Texas Sheriff Arrested by Own Deputies, Now Charged with Lying to Grand Jury

A Texas sheriff, previously taken into custody and detained in his own…