Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pope, was asked by reporters about the Chicago White Sox securing a postseason berth and whether he had any hand in the team's turnaround, according to multiple outlets. He declined to credit himself for the result.
The pope was raised on Chicago's South Side and has long been known as a White Sox fan, according to CBS Sports and Fox News. His comments came after the team beat the Kansas City Royals 9-1 on Thursday to clinch a playoff spot with games still remaining, according to Yahoo Sports.
Some coverage framed his response as a broader moment, with NBC News reporting that he used the occasion to also speak about support for a free press while avoiding a direct answer on the 'miracle' question.
Outlets across the spectrum covered the exchange, with some describing his answer as a refusal to confirm or deny any divine involvement in the team's success.
How each side covered it
Left
- Reports noted Pope Leo XIV declined to credit himself for the White Sox's playoff return.
- One outlet framed his remarks as touching on support for a free press while avoiding the 'miracle' question directly.
“Pope Leo XIV declines to credit himself for White Sox playoff return” — Associated Press
Center
- Center outlets noted Pope Leo XIV is the first American-born pope, raised on Chicago's South Side as a White Sox fan.
- Coverage detailed the White Sox's 9-1 win over the Kansas City Royals on Thursday that clinched their 2026 postseason spot.
- Reports described his answer as neither confirming nor denying divine intervention.
“How Pope Leo responded when asked if he helped Chicago White Sox make the postseason” — Yahoo Sports
Right
- Fox News noted Pope Leo XIV is from Chicago and a White Sox fan.
- Coverage centered on how he answered when asked what role he played in the team reaching the playoffs.
“The Pope To Thank For White Sox Playoff Berth? Pope Leo XIV Answers” — Fox News
Questions readers ask
What happened with Pope Leo XIV and the White Sox?
Pope Leo XIV, a lifelong Chicago White Sox fan, was asked by reporters whether he had any role in the team's turnaround after it clinched a 2026 MLB playoff berth. He declined to take credit for the result.
Why is Pope Leo XIV connected to the Chicago White Sox?
Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pope, was raised on Chicago's South Side and has long been known as a White Sox supporter, according to CBS Sports and Fox News.
How did the White Sox clinch their playoff spot?
The Chicago White Sox secured their postseason berth after beating the Kansas City Royals 9-1 on Thursday, with a few games still left to play, according to Yahoo Sports.
What did different outlets focus on in covering this story?
Left-leaning outlets highlighted the pope declining credit and one report noted he also spoke about press freedom, while center and right-leaning outlets focused more on his South Side roots and fandom and the specifics of the team's clinching win.
Sources · 6 outlet reports
- Associated PressLeft-leaningPope Leo XIV declines to credit himself for White Sox playoff return
- CNNLeft-leaningPope Leo on White Sox playoff ‘miracle’
- NBC NewsLeft-leaningPope Leo champions free press, dodges White Sox miracle question
- CBS SportsCenterPope Leo XIV won't confirm (or deny!) any divine intervention in White Sox's miraculous turnaround
- Yahoo SportsCenterHow Pope Leo responded when asked if he helped Chicago White Sox make the postseason
- Fox NewsRight-leaningThe Pope To Thank For White Sox Playoff Berth? Pope Leo XIV Answers