Pope Leo XIV is a miracle worker.
How else to explain the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Cubs clinching playoff spots in the same season for only the fourth time ever and doing it within minutes of each other? If that’s not the work of a higher power, I don’t know what it is.
Before you make a move to excommunicate me, hear me out.
Chicago’s sports teams were, to put it nicely, trash for much of this century. Yes, there were World Series titles (for the Cubs in 2016 and White Sox in 2005), the Blackhawks won three Stanley Cups in six years, and the Sky won the WNBA title in 2021.
But those were blips. Chicago's teams were far more likely to be awful, testing the patience of even their most saintly fans.
Like in 2024, when the White Sox won all of
41 games and had, by far, the worst record in Major League Baseball. Or that stretch between 2017 and 2024 when the Bears had as many franchise QBs as head coaches (three). Or how about the Cubs, who convinced the Milwaukee Brewers' successful manager to cross the border but still can't beat their main rivals. With a payroll that’s twice as big, no less!
And let’s not even start on the hot messes that are the Bulls, the Blackhawks and the Stars.
Turns out, all the city needed was some divine intervention. Since Leo XIV became the first American pope in May 2025, there’s been a noticeable change in the fortunes of his hometown city’s teams.
White Sox, Bears make rare playoff appearances
The Bears won the NFC North for only the second time since 2011 last season, then beat the hated Green Bay Packers for their first playoff win in 15 years. The Cubs are making back-to-back postseason appearances for the first time since 2018.
As for the White Sox, Pope Leo’s favorite team, they’re the first team to make the playoffs after three consecutive 100-loss seasons.
Now, the priests and nuns I had in grade school, high school and college would cry blasphemy at the suggestion that God cares about sports. Probably throw a chalk-filled eraser at me, too. Most of the time, I’d agree with them.
But Pope Leo XIV is a diehard sports fan. He was at Game 1 of the 2005 World Series, wearing a White Sox jersey, and still keeps track of his hometown teams. He’s been spotted wearing a White Sox hat at the Vatican, and gave his blessing for the team to do a “Pope Hat” night, quite possibly the most amazing theme night ever.
Seriously. Go find the photos of Southpaw, the White Sox’s mascot, in the Pope Hat (its actual name is a mitre) and priestly robes. They’re fantastic.
New York Knicks have Pope Leo connection, too
Still not convinced? Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart and NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson, who led the New York Knicks to their first NBA title in 53 years, all went to Villanova. As did Pope Leo.
Pope Leo XIV might not be saying rosaries and novenas for Chicago’s sports teams in the Sistine Chapel, but he has good karma and it seems to be rubbing off.
Now, if only Pope Leo could do something about the Bears' stadium woes ...
Follow USA TODAY Sports columnist Nancy Armour on social media @nrarmour.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pope Leo XIV's hometown teams are thriving. Coincidence or ... something more? | Opinion
