Chicago sports fans know two things: heartbreak and hope. The city once waited 108 years for a Cubs World Series title. It’s waited even longer for a Bears quarterback to crack 4,000 passing yards. Now, history has thrown the Windy City a curveball—or maybe a Hail Mary.

This week, Chicago became the hometown of America’s first pope. Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Prevost, grew up in Dolton, Illinois. The news spread faster than a Ditka-era blitz. But while the Vatican’s white smoke settled, another Chicago icon chimed in.

“Daaaaaa Pope” tweeted Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, punctuating the moment with a mix of pride and playful swagger. The tweet exploded like a fourth-quarter touchdown pass. Fans photoshopped papal robes over Bears jerseys. Memes compared Soldier Field to the Sistine Chapel. For a city craving football salvation, the timing felt celestial. Besides, Williams’ tweet wasn’t just a hat tip to history.

It was a reminder: Chicago’s spotlight now orbits around him. The 2024 No. 1 pick carries the weight of a franchise that’s seen just two 3,800-yard passers since 1920. But this offseason, the Bears stacked the deck. They traded for Pro Bowl guards, drafted electric receiver Luther Burden, and hired offensive guru Ben Johnson. And that sure felt like divine intervention to many. The parallels, meanwhile, are too stark to ignore.

Pope Leo XIV reportedly attended the White Sox’s 2005 World Series win. Williams? He’s trying to end a Bears drought older than the forward pass. Only two QBs—Erik Kramer (1995) and Jayden Cutler (2014)—topped 3,800 yards. Aaron Rodgers hit 4,000 10 times in Green Bay. Williams?

He threw 3,541 yards as a rookie, trailing Commanders’ Jayden Daniels (3,568). But his rookie yards outpaced legends like Jim McMahon. And with Johnson scheming plays, even Aaron Rodgers’ ghost might sweat.

Caleb Williams and the Windy City’s new divine connection

The Pope’s Chicago roots sparked instant debate. Cubs or Sox? Deep dish or thin crust? Prevost’s brother settled it: “He was a White Sox fan.” The team confirmed a papal jersey is en route to Rome. Former White Sox pitcher Donn Pall—nicknamed ‘The Pope’ in the ‘80s—joked, “They had Big Hurt, Little Hurt, One Dog. They came up with one for me, The Pope, because Donn Pall sounded like John Paul.” The pontiff’s White Sox fandom? Confirmed. His Bears allegiance? Still TBD. But Williams isn’t waiting.

“I am excited about (Williams),” the Pope told The Athletic, praising new coach Ben Johnson: “It seems like they should have a really good coach right now. I’m definitely excited about him. He’ll help out with Caleb.” Meanwhile, Bears fans are crossing themselves. For Williams, the stakes are less heavenly.

His 68 sacks last year set a Bears record. But upgraded protection and Johnson’s system could rewrite his story. Safety Jaquan Brisker sees it: “He’s a hard worker, he’s very locked in, he’s detailed… I feel like he’s gonna have a chip on his shoulder to dominate the league.” Chicago’s used to waiting. But between a homegrown pope and a quarterback with rocket ambition, the city’s faith is doubling down.

As they say, “Chicago is a city of contradictions.” Will Caleb Williams scrub clean the Bears’ QB curse—or add another chapter to Chicago’s book of near misses? The pews are packed. The ball is in his hands.