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.

Pope Leo XIV, now the successor of St. Peter, leads the 1.4 billion-strong Catholic Church in a sacred role that few others will ever hold.

Leo is the first pope with a pre-papal social media presence, which helps paint an early picture of his positions on various cultural issues.