Patriarch Mar Awa III Gifts Pope Leo XIV Chicago Cubs Jersey During Meeting on Full Communion

His Holiness Mar Awa III, Catholicos-patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East, visited Rome this week to commemorate the 60th anniversary of *Nostra Aetate*, the Church’s declaration on relations with non-Christian religions. During his stay, he met with Pope Leo XIV in a private audience, sharing a common hometown of Chicago. The meeting took place as both leaders discussed the possibility of full communion between their churches, with the pope proposing synodality as a path forward.

Mar Awa III, born David Royel to Assyrian immigrant parents, is a known fan of the Chicago Cubs, while Pope Leo XIV supports the city’s rival team, the White Sox. During their meeting, Mar Awa III presented the pope with a customized Cubs jersey, a gesture he shared on Instagram, noting the gift was in honor of “all our North Side Chicagoans.” The pope, known for his baseball enthusiasm, wore the jersey with the name “Leo” and the number 14, a nod to his papal name and the team’s history.

The Cubs and White Sox have long been rivals in the annual “Crosstown Classic,” with the Cubs holding a slight all-time advantage of 77-75 since the series began. Pope Leo XIV has shown his support for the White Sox on multiple occasions, including a notable moment during a general audience where he joined pilgrims in chanting “White Sox!” as they passed through St. Peter’s Square.

The exchange of gifts highlighted the personal connection between the two leaders, rooted in their shared Chicago heritage. While the Cubs fan smiled at the gesture, the pope’s expression of resignation reflected the playful rivalry between the teams. The moment underscored the blend of personal and ecclesial relationships that often characterize interfaith dialogue.

The visit also emphasized the broader context of ongoing efforts to strengthen relations between the Assyrian Church of the East and the Roman Catholic Church. As both leaders continue to explore paths toward unity, their personal interactions serve as a reminder of the human connections that can accompany theological and ecclesial conversations.

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