Pope Leo XIV: Chicago native sparks debate on whether he believes Michael Jordan is the GOAT
On Thursday, May 8, when Cardinal Robert Prevost stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica and introduced himself as
Pope Leo XIV
, the world witnessed a historic first—the election of a U.S.-born pope. But it didn't take long for fans of a different kind of devotion to take notice. As word of the Chicago-native pope spread, so did chatter about another Windy City legend:
Michael Jordan
.
Operation Sindoor
PM Modi meets NSA, chiefs of armed forces amid spike in tensions with Pak
India's air defence systems shoot down Pak drones in J&K, Punjab & Rajasthan
Several airports in India to be closed till May 15 - check list
The coincidence sparked playful debates online, blending the sacred and the sporty in ways no one expected.
Is the new Pope team Michael Jordan? The viral debate that ties faith to basketball
Elected as the 267th pope on May 8 in
Vatican City
,
Pope Leo XIV
is not only the first American to lead the
Catholic Church
but also a proud Chicago native. Greeting the crowd at St. Peter's Basilica that evening, the 69-year-old offered blessings of peace, while back home,
Chicago sports
fans began connecting the newest pope to the city's most iconic athlete.
Former NFL quarterback
Robert Griffin III
added fuel to the fun with a viral post on X: 'The new Pope is from Chicago. He definitely believes Michael Jordan is the GOAT.' The post resonated widely, injecting the age-old Michael Jordan vs.
LeBron James
debate with a holy twist.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Glicemia alta? Pingue isso na água antes de dormir
Saúde Melhor Idade
Veja agora
Undo
The pope spent much of the 1980s living and working in Chicago, just as
Michael Jordan
began his meteoric rise with the
Chicago Bulls
. Although Pope Leo XIV relocated to Peru during the 1990s, as Jordan led the team through two historic three-peats, he remained closely tied to the city that raised both a basketball legend and a pope.
The Windy City connection took an amusing turn the next day when a post went viral claiming that a
stained-glass window
had been added to St. Peter's Basilica—one depicting Michael Jordan mid-dunk. Though entirely fake, the image spread like wildfire, with many fans simply amused by the idea, given the Pope's strong Chicago roots.
Naturally, there is no such window. Vatican decor remains devoted to sacred tradition, not slam dunks. Still, the hoax captured the joy and whimsy sparked by the election of a pope with such a familiar and relatable origin story.
Also Read:
Media Fixates on Marcus Jordan's Arrest While Michael Jordan's Fourth Free Clinic for the Underprivileged Goes Unnoticed
Pope Leo XIV's ascent marks a new chapter for the Catholic Church, but for Chicago natives and basketball fans, it's also a nostalgic nod to the golden era of the Bulls. Whether or not he ever shares his thoughts on the Bulls, Michael Jordan, or the infamous MJ vs. LeBron debate, the new pope has already left a cultural imprint, one that bridges faith and fandom. In the city that gave the world both Michael Jordan and now a pope, greatness clearly takes many forms.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
Peralta allows 1 hit in 6 innings and Brewers beat Cubs 7-0 in 1st half of doubleheader
CHICAGO — Freddy Peralta allowed one hit and struck out six batters and the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Chicago Cubs 7-0 in the first half of a Monday doubleheader. Peralta allows 1 hit in 6 innings and Brewers beat Cubs 7-0 in 1st half of doubleheader All-Star pitcher Peralta shut Chicago out over six innings to help Milwaukee advance to an MLB-best record of 79-45. The Brewers, which had their franchise-record 14-game winning streak snapped by the Reds on Sunday, have won 23 of 28 games since the break. Brice Turang and Caleb Durbin each had two hits, two RBIs and a solo home run to lead the way. Milwaukee's Abner Uribe, Jared Koenig and Grant Anderson held Chicago to one combined hit over the final three innings of relief. The Brewers attacked Cubs pitcher Cade Horton early. After Turang's homer in the third, Horton allowed three of the next four batters to reach base and was removed from the game with a blister on his right middle finger. Reliever Drew Pomeranz retired the ensuing batter to escape the inning with a one-run deficit. Chicago called up two hitters on Monday in Luke Little and Gavin Hollowell. Little's throwing error in the sixth allowed a run to score, while Hollowell gave up four earned runs on four walks and two hits in the seventh. Down 1-0, the Cubs had an opportunity to tie or take the lead in the bottom of the fourth. Peralta walked three consecutive batters to load the bases with one out, but he struck out rookie Owen Caissie and retired Nico Hoerner to end the inning. Milwaukee surrendered just two hits to Chicago, which drops nine games behind the Brewers in the National League Central. The Cubs and Brewers are set to play the second half of Monday's doubleheader at 7:05 p.m. CT. Neither team had named its starting pitcher. Chicago and Milwaukee will continue the series until Thursday. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
'He makes you suffer': Chris Evert dismisses links between Emma Raducanu, Carlos Alcaraz and her past with Jimmy Connors
Chris Evert dismisses links between Emma Raducanu Carlos Alcaraz and her past with Jimmy Connors (Image via Getty) Chris Evert has reacted to the ongoing comparisons between Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz, and her past relationship with Jimmy Connors. The tennis legend made it clear that the younger duo are just friends and not in a romantic relationship. Raducanu and Alcaraz are set to play a doubles match at the US Open 2025 against Jack Draper and Jessica Pegula on Tuesday, August 19, at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York City. Evert also shared her thoughts on handling fame in today's world versus the 1970s. Chris Evert clarifies Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz are not a couple When asked about the parallels between Emma Raducanu, Carlos Alcaraz, and her own relationship with Jimmy Connors, Chris Evert was blunt. 'No, because they're not having a relationship. I'm so glad I came up in the '70s, not in this day and age. Because, I mean, jeez, you're controversial and talked about no matter what you do,' Evert told ESPN. — sk__tennis (@sk__tennis) Evert and Jimmy Connors were a famous tennis couple in the 1970s, but broke up in 1975. Meanwhile, Raducanu and Alcaraz have always said they are just friends. The US Open doubles match will give fans a chance to see them play together professionally without focusing on rumors about their personal lives. Also Read: Noah Lyles Challenges Kishane Thompson To A One On One Race In Kingston And Sparks Fresh Rivalry Talk Carlos Alcaraz opens up about facing Jannik Sinner ahead of US Open doubles Carlos Alcaraz also discussed his forthcoming singles problems. Following the Cincinnati Masters in Cincinnati, Ohio, Alcaraz spoke about meeting Jannik Sinner in their first game since the Wimbledon 2025 final, in which Sinner beat him, on August 16, 2025. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Unsold 2021 Cars Now Almost Free - Prices May Surprise You Unsold Cars | Search Ads Learn More Undo 'The ability of not having any weakness. It is crazy, the way he always plays at his best. It seems like you have to earn every point every game. He makes you suffer since the first point of the match until the last ball. The capacity of being there mentally, point after point, not having up and downs on the match makes him really, really special,' Carlos Alcaraz said via ATP Tour. The Spaniard reached the final at the Cincinnati Masters by defeating Andrey Rublev and Alexander Zverev as well. His performance indicates he is in great shape as he heads into the US Open doubles game with Raducanu. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Kodagu supply line keeps K'taka going
Bengaluru: Kodagu has always been the cradle of Indian hockey. The district has produced several international players, including MP Ganesh, MM Somaya, SV Sunil and VR Raghunath, to name just a few. The Karnataka district has been a constant source of inspiration for future generations to continue to earn laurels for the state and country. No wonder that 11 players from Kodagu are part of Karnataka's 18-member squad in the ongoing Junior Men's National Championship in Jalandhar, Punjab. "It is a matter of pride for Kodagu, with so many players from the district featuring in the team. It is primarily because of the history and the legacy Kodagu players have created," coach Thanu Nanjappa told TOI. With one win and loss under their belt, Karnataka have advanced to the quarterfinals. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru | Gold Rates Today in Bengaluru | Silver Rates Today in Bengaluru The state team's preparation was in full swing since last month, with around 50 players, which was later whittled down to 18. Kodagu's Dhruva BS, who had played in the last Nationals, is leading the state side. "Right from the school level, hockey is popular in Kodagu. There are many competitions at various age levels. It allows young players a chance to showcase their talent," the 19-year-old Dhruva said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Compare Spreads: Bitcoin vs Ethereum CFDs IC Markets Learn More Vishwajith, another player from Kodagu, said: "Hockey has always been in our blood. Our family members are very supportive and they always motivate us, which keeps us going." The popularity of the sport in this district can also be attributed to the Kodava Hockey Festival, which has become integral to the community's culture. The competition within the community helps unite families and generations through the sport. It is unsurprising that youngsters from Kodagu travel to Bengaluru for trials, outnumbering people from other regions. Schools also play an important role in helping the budding talents hone their skills during the formative years. Impressive performances at the school level and in age-group competitions help them get selected to the sports hostels. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
