Pope Leo XIV Signs Baseball Autographs During First Media Appearance

Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV on Monday engaged with the world media for the first time since his election last Thursday, marking the occasion by signing autographs, including one on a baseball. The unique gesture highlighted his connection to his roots as a Chicago native and a devoted White Sox fan, a fact that distinguishes him from many North Siders who typically support the Cubs.

According to Ansa News Agency, the 69-year-old pontiff, formerly known as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, has cherished baseball since his childhood in Illinois. During the media session, he shared a light-hearted moment with a journalist dressed in white, humorously pointing out their matching attire as he stood beside the reporter for the cameras.