PARIS (AP) — Might a helping hand from Pope Leo XIV partly explain the Chicago White Sox’s improbable return to the playoffs?
“No comment,” the pontiff replied with a beaming smile when a reporter on his plane to France asked whether the surprise sprung Thursday by the long-suffering team was miraculous and “Do you have anything to do with that?"
But the Chicago-born and raised lifelong fan of the White Sox left no doubt that he was thrilled, by adding: “Great things happen in Chicago."
The pontiff's oh-so-diplomatic answer was perhaps because he's had experience of how perceived papal rooting for one team or another can land him in hot water.
In June, he said “the pope is for all teams" but rubbed soccer fans in Barcelona the wrong way by adding that he personally roots for Real Madrid, inserting himself into one of the biggest rivalries in club football.
Real Madrid proudly posted the video of the moment, and social media filled with comments about how the club is “the team of God.”
Pope Leo XIV waves after a prayer vigil with young people at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis near Paris, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla)
Pope Leo XIV waves during a prayer vigil with young people at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis near Paris, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Emma Da Silva)
BANGKOK (AP) — Rain hammered several areas of Thailand ’s capital on Saturday, disrupting traffic and forcing hundreds to evacuate. The deluge started Thursday afternoon.
Thailand’s Meteorological Department warned the heavy rain would continue in most parts of the country through Sunday, citing a strong low-pressure system over the central region and strengthening southwest monsoon conditions.
Accumulated rainfall in major canals in Bangkok exceeded 20 centimeters (7.8 inches), officials said. Floodwaters spread across the city, particularly in the central and eastern parts, blocking roads and stopping traffic in some areas.
More than 84,000 people in 21 provinces nationwide were affected by flooding as of Saturday, especially in the central region. Authorities sent emergency warning messages through the cell-broadcast system to people in affected areas, the government said.
Hwang Hwan-chung, who flew from South Korea and has visited Bangkok over ten times, said he had never seen such “crazy” weather, adding that he couldn’t find a taxi.
Sukanya Tongsuk, a local, said the current flooding was similar to the last time Bangkok was hit by widespread flooding in 2011.
"I think it’s like 10 or 15 years ago that we saw heavy rain like this,” she said.
Meanwhile, Dutch resident Bjorn Franken, who has lived in the capital for two years, said he was able to cope although one event he wanted to attend had been canceled.
Many businesses in Bangkok closed on Saturday due to flooding.
Cars crawled along waterlogged roads in parts of Bangkok, and bikers were seen pushing their motorcycles. Authorities said some regional bus services from Bangkok to the eastern provinces were suspended.
Phetchaburi Road, one of the capital’s busiest main roads, was unusually quiet as vehicles had to turn back. Some were left partially submerged.
Residents, some barefoot and others wearing rubber waders while several wrapped plastic bags around their feet, made their way through murky waters, carrying fresh water and food.
Air traffic control authorities confirmed operations remained normal at airports, but some flights might face delays due to weather-caused detours.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said despite the heavy rain, flooding should recede once the rain subsides, as city officials work to drain floodwaters as quickly as possible.
More than 200 shelters were set up across the city and about 900 people have moved into them, Chadchart said.
Some government facilities were opened to provide vehicle parking, officials said.
A woman wades through floodwaters after heavy rain in Bangkok, Thailand Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
The streets are flooded after heavy rain in Bangkok, Thailand, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
People wade through floodwaters after heavy rain in Bangkok, Thailand, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
Men push motorcycles as they wade through floodwaters after heavy rain in Bangkok, Thailand Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
The streets are flooded after heavy rain in Bangkok, Thailand, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
This image taken from a video shows the flooded streets in Bangkok, Thailand Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, after heavy rain. (AP Photo)
