"Probably 1st pope to believe Jordan's the GOAT": Fans speculate whether Chicago’s Leo XIV is a LeBron James fan or Michael Jordan fan
The 267th pope was elected in Vatican City on Thursday. Pope Leo XIV succeeds Pope Francis, who died on April 21 due to complications after having a stroke. Pope Leo XIV received a warm welcome when he accepted his new position. The Chicago native is a sports fan, prompting many basketball fans to pose the question of whether he is Team LeBron or Team Jordan.
Because he grew up in Chicago and got to experience Michael Jordan's prime with the Chicago Bulls, many fans believe he is a supporter of the Chicago legend. However, this has led to a debate with modern fans who feel that LeBron James is the best player in history.
Fans took the conversation to social media.
"Probably the first pope to believe Jordan is the GOAT," one fan wrote.
"How does the new pope selection affect LeBron’s legacy?" one fan asked as a joke. "Well, theologically speaking, the Pope is God’s chosen emissary and voice on Earth. And he has chosen a Pope who is in all likelihood a Bulls fan. Which officially means that Jordan is God’s chosen GOAT."
"What happens if the new pope declares MJ is the goat. Do catholic LeBron fans just have to accept that?" commented another.
"The moment has arrived. Papal “Bulls” from the Chicago Pope can finally proclaim what the world should know," one fan declared. "LeBron isn’t a close second. MJ is the GOAT."
"Pope Leo XIV gonna be the first pope with a bias take on the MJ vs LeBron debate," one LeBron supporter said.
"We finally have a Pope that can answer deep theological questions like: What belongs on a hot dog? Should trains be elevated above the streets or run underground? Is deep dish pizza really a pizza, casserole, lasagna or pie? Who’s the goat, Jordan or LeBron?" another fan said about the Chicago native.
LeBron has built a phenomenal resume with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and LA Lakers. He has won four titles and made 10 NBA Finals, and is the league's leading scorer.
Jordan, meanwhile, won six championships and never lost a Finals series.
Pope Leo XIV's MLB allegiance
NBA fans will have to wait for the answer on who Pope Leo XIV thinks is the greatest basketball player of all time and which team he supports. However, when it comes to MLB, it was revealed that he supports the Chicago White Sox. There were conflicting reports about which Chicago team he supported, but his family confirmed that he is loyal to the team on the South Side.
Pope Leo XIV is the first American pope ever, marking a special occasion in the Vatican's history.