When a baseball rivalry crosses oceans and lands in Vatican City, you know it’s something special. During his general audience, Pope Leo XIV, the Chicago-born pontiff, had a moment that quickly went viral.
While greeting crowds in St. Peter’s Square, a fan tried to get his attention by shouting, “Go Cubs!” The Pope, without missing a beat, turned, smiled, and fired back with two words that sent social media into a frenzy: “Han perdido! They lost!”
Captured by Vatican Media and reposted by the Chicago White Sox with the caption “That’s our Pope,” the clip has now become a certified meme. For baseball fans, it’s divine comedy. For Chicagoans, it’s peak hometown energy.
The Pope Shut Down A Cheer With Two Words: “They Lost”
The moment unfolded during a general audience, where Pope Leo XIV rode through the crowd in the popemobile. A fan’s “Go Cubs!” chant echoed through the square; bold, considering this Pope’s long-documented White Sox loyalty.
Without hesitation, he responded in Spanish, “Han perdido” before repeating it in English: “They lost!” The crowd laughed, the fan waved in good humor, and the internet did the rest. The remark appeared to reference the Cubs’ recent elimination from postseason play after dropping back-to-back games against the Brewers, making his words sting a little more for North Side fans. Within hours, clips of the exchange were spreading across sports pages and meme accounts alike.
It’s not the first time Pope Leo has shown his Chicago roots. He’s long shown his Chicago roots. Raised in nearby Dolton, he has publicly embraced White Sox fandom; his brother John Prevost told CBS News that Leo “has been a proud White Sox fan since they were altar boys.” His knack for sports references has made him a crowd favorite in and out of sports circles.
The playful jab also landed just days after the Cubs were eliminated from postseason contention, which made his timing ideal. For Sox fans, it wasn’t just humor; it was validation from the highest possible level.
White Sox Fans Are Treating It Like Divine Intervention
Scroll through X and you’ll see fans calling it one of the most wholesome sports moments ever, blending humor, pride, and a little holy rivalry. One person commented, “When sports and faith collide in the best way possible. That’s beautiful to see.”
Another Cubs fan chimed in, “I’m all for this type of jousting 😂 👏.”
Another fan joked, “Oh my goodness. Never had a favorite Pope before. Hand him an L flag next time.”
Others took it even further, like the fan who said, “I am now a White Sox fan. I hope bright years are ahead for the franchise,” and another who summed it up perfectly: “Ain’t no hate watch like a Holy Hate Watch.”
The mix of reverence and rivalry makes this clip pure Chicago gold where humor, pride, and faith all share the same stage.
As funny as it is, it also feels refreshingly human. Sports have always been about connection, and seeing the Pope, a global religious figure, lean into hometown loyalty makes him even more relatable. In a world that often takes itself too seriously, this was the kind of lighthearted moment everyone needed.
Whether you’re a Sox fan, a Cubs diehard, or just someone who loves good sports banter, one thing’s clear: the rivalry just went international. And this time, the Pope’s team came out on top.
Published: Oct 16, 2025 04:06 pm