Chicago Mayor Plans to Gift Cubs Hat to Pope Leo XIV Ahead of Crosstown Classic

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has announced his intention to present a Chicago Cubs hat to Pope Leo XIV during an upcoming meeting in Rome. This gesture adds a playful twist to the intense rivalry between Chicago's two Major League Baseball teams, the White Sox and the Cubs, who are scheduled to face off in the Crosstown Classic series this weekend. Although Pope Leo XIV is a renowned die-hard fan of the White Sox, Mayor Johnson, a supporter of the Cubs, plans to offer the opposing team's apparel as a friendly diplomatic gift. The Mayor joked that he would bless the hat regardless of whether the Pope wears it, while also expressing hope for a potential World Series matchup between the two Chicago teams. Meanwhile, the White Sox organization is capitalizing on the Pope's fandom by distributing Pope-themed hats to fans at their ballpark. The White Sox have significantly exceeded season expectations, leading to speculation about their strong performance. This news highlights the intersection of local sports culture, civic leadership, and international religious figures, emphasizing the deep-rooted passion for baseball in Chicago.