As I watched, listened, and then researched the events unfolding before my very eyes, the one emotion I felt the most was hope. This followed the initial shock that an American-born individual was actually named the Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. The word Pope, which is derived from Latin, simply means Father. There is definitely nothing simple about being selected pontiff during these unprecedented and historic times here in the mortal world.
My initial shock was created because I never believed I would see someone born in the United States of America ascend to the highest recognized position of Christianity. The main reason I did not think this would occur is a fact I talk about regarding many things involving our Nation. In the big scheme of the world, we are still young, 248 years old to be exact. The first recorded Papal appointments occurred in the years 222 and 235 A.D. So, for that very reason, St. Peter’s Basilica is a couple of thousand years away from Chicago, Illinois.
As we all have learned, Chicago is the childhood home of Robert Prevost, now recognized as the 267th Pope, Leo XIV. As that initial shock turned to joy as I viewed the different networks, many thoughts went through my head.
One of them was, I wondered if he’s a Cubs or White Sox fan? I know to many of you this doesn’t seem timely or appropriate, however, it’s just how my mind works. For those who care, Father Bob, as he liked to be referred to before becoming Pope Leo XIV, is a White Sox fan. And as mainstream and social media often do, they had this wrong as they first reported he was a Cubs fan. After watching an interview with John Prevost, the brother of the now-Pope, I can say for a fact, he’s definitely a White Sox fan. John actually provided a picture of them attending the 2005 World Series when the team from the south side of the Windy City defeated the Astros.
I am sure this would also make him a fan of the Chicago Bulls and Michael Jordan. And that’s where I’ll pick up with my first impression of Pope Leo XIV and some initial thoughts. Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player the world has ever seen. He transcended the sport and became a worldwide phenomenon. The world would get better at basketball because of Jordan. Pope Leo XIV needs to be the Michael Jordan, not only of the Catholic Church but for worldwide Christianity, and especially here in the United States.
We all know the problems the Catholic Church has been facing. This has led to a significant decline in membership in our Nation, and this will especially be felt in the years ahead because of the decline and losing the “Cradle Catholics,” which would keep church numbers strong. Pope Leo XIV has an opportunity to change this. What might be even more significant is if he can be recognized as a great Christian leader as the battle of good versus evil rages worldwide.
A Gallup poll finds 325 million, or 67% of Americans, recognize themselves as Christian; of this number, only 22% declare Catholicism.
As I mentioned earlier, Chicago residents are very proud and love of their city, but become divided over being a Cubs fan or a White Sox fan. So, to put this in religious perspective, Christians should be on the same team with the deception of evil now present, however, they become divided over what color cap they’re wearing. How often have you heard, I’m Catholic or Protestant when asked, instead of, I’m Christian? Again, all on the same team, but a church divided. If Pontiff Leo XIV can extend his message to be heard by all Christians and include all Christians, you will see a historic Revival of Christianity and the strongest Christian team ever.
My first impression of Leo XIV is that he is a humble, caring, genuine individual who can become the worldwide Christian leader that is needed. He is young and young at heart by Pope standards. He can speak fluent Italian, English, and Spanish, and unite people with his worldwide body work. This was evident with the announcement of the Papal’s arrival.
In addition to being a White Sox fan, he plays tennis, loves eating good food, keeps himself in great shape, and can talk about almost any topic while his love of God and his fellow man shines through. I loved hearing him say “Peace be with you all” in several languages.
Now, with all that being said, what needs to happen within the Vatican City and around the world is that we need to let this man work and get his message out there. Please do not falsely interpret what he says or twist it to a certain narrative to fit individual beliefs or agendas.
Hear his message, have faith and hope in his words, and give him a chance. We are literally living history as it unfolds. We all need to pray that one day he has become known as the Michael Jordan of St Peter’s Basilica.
God Bless America.
