Contrary to early reports, the new pontiff isn't a Cubs fan — and the Sox faithful couldn't be prouder. "It's a dream," Helen Principato said. From the tailgaters to the clubhouse, there's a hope that the team's fortunes are blessed.

Amid conflicting reports about which Windy City team the new pope roots for, Chico Harlan of the Washington Post noted Friar Joseph Farrell texted Pope Leo and received a one-word response confirming that he's a Chicago White Sox fan.