Robert Francis Prevost made history this year. The Chicago-area native became the first cardinal from the United States ever to become Pope. He chose the name Pope Leo XIV. The last served from 1879 to 1903. It was by far one of the biggest surprises in modern history. Most expected a selection from Europe or Africa, nudging closer to a more traditional option. Going with an American with a track record of being strong on social justice, the environment, and outreach to the marginalized was a bold move. He also has strong leadership traits from a long history of global work. That includes rubbing shoulders with world leaders.
Leo is also a renowned Chicago sports fan. He was famously caught on camera during Game 1 of the 2005 World Series watching the White Sox. It appears people have picked up on this loyal fandom. United States Vice President JD Vance visited the Vatican in Rome to meet with Pope Leo for the first time. He made sure to bring a special gift: a custom Bears jersey that says “Pope Leo” on the back, with the #14 on the jersey. It seems to have been well-received.
It isn’t hard to see what Vance is doing with Pope Leo.
The vice president endured a moment of ugly embarrassment when he visited the late Pope Francis early this year. Francis chastised him and the current American regime for its poor treatment of immigrants and blatant claims to foreign resources like Greenland. Vance likely hoped to get off on a better foot with Pope Leo. The last thing Vance and the government need is the highest name in the Christian church made at them. Don’t forget there are estimated to be 2.4 billion Christians worldwide, including tens of millions in the U.S. Using a Bears jersey as an olive branch isn’t a bad icebreaker. Whether it leads to more productive communication remains to be seen in the coming months.
