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 celebrated his first Mass in the Sistine Chapel where he was elected less than 24 hours earlier, warning of the dangers caused by a lack of faith and hoping the Catholic Church could be a beacon lighting the world's "dark nights".