The Chicago Bears were catching strays amid the announcement of the new pope.
Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost, OSA, on Thursday was named the new Bishop of Rome. He is taking the name Pope Leo XIV and is the first American pope.
Francis is from Chicago, Ill., which led people to make some harsh Bears jokes — particularly about how Chicago had produced a pope before developing a quarterback.
Chicago produced a pope before a 4,000-yard quarterback
— Dan Treacy (@DanTreacyASN) May 8, 2025
Chicago developed a Pope before the Bears developed a quarterback! pic.twitter.com/4F442kOEWp
— Jeff Kelton ⚾️ (@DepressedMLBFan) May 8, 2025
Those jokes were harsh but humorous. Of course, there are plenty of others who hope and feel that the pope may bring good luck and positive vibes to the Bears.
In Pope Leo the XIV, the Bears now have a direct line to God. pic.twitter.com/ej83Z8x4U5
— Bears History (@ChiBearsHistory) May 8, 2025
CHICAGO POPE. NO MORE BEING ON THE WRONG SIDE OF HAIL MARYS! pic.twitter.com/qFXpp6AaqX
— Tony Bearprano (@BearsSopranos) May 8, 2025
The Bears have never had a quarterback pass for 4,000 yards in a season in their franchise history. The most was 3,838 from Erik Kramer in 1995. Even Jay Cutler, for as big of an arm as he had, never threw for 4,000 yards in a season with the Bears, though his single-season yardage total is Nos. 2-4 on the franchise’s list.
The Bears went 5-12 last season and haven’t had a winning year since 2018. If they turn things around in 2025, maybe the new pope and his faith will be one of the reasons why.
