In a scene that blended baseball passion with centuries-old Catholic tradition, a Chicago Cubs fan's frustration boiled over in the most unlikely of places—the hallowed halls of the Vatican.
The extraordinary incident occurred when the American tourist, identified only as a die-hard Cubs supporter, stood before a stained-glass window depicting Pope Leo XIII and began shouting accusations at the long-deceased pontiff.
The Curse That Spanned Centuries
According to witnesses, the fan blamed Pope Leo for the Chicago Cubs' infamous World Series drought, referencing the obscure superstition known as the "Curse of Pope Leo XIII." The legend suggests the Pope placed a hex on the team after they failed to invite him to throw the ceremonial first pitch during his papacy in the late 19th century.
Security personnel quickly intervened, escorting the agitated fan from the premises. Vatican officials described the situation as "highly unusual" but confirmed no damage was caused to the historic artwork.
Baseball Superstition Meets Religious History
The Chicago Cubs' history is riddled with supposed curses and superstitions, most notably the Billy Goat Curse that allegedly plagued the team from 1945 until their World Series victory in 2016. However, the Pope Leo XIII connection represents one of the more esoteric theories among baseball historians.
"While most fans know about the Billy Goat Curse, the Pope Leo story has always been more of a footnote in Cubs lore," explained baseball historian Michael Reynolds. "To see someone take it this seriously—and in the Vatican of all places—is quite remarkable."
Fan Reactions and Aftermath
Reactions from fellow Cubs supporters have been mixed, with some expressing embarrassment while others found humour in the situation. The team itself has not commented on the incident, though sources indicate they consider it an isolated event rather than representative of their fanbase.
The Vatican has chosen not to press charges, treating the matter as a minor disturbance rather than a serious security breach. The stained-glass window of Pope Leo XIII, created in the early 20th century, remains undamaged and continues to be part of regular Vatican tours.
This unusual convergence of sports fandom and religious site etiquette serves as a reminder that for some supporters, baseball superstitions run deeper than mere tradition—they're matters of historical grievance, even when those grievances date back over a century.
