Chicago and Cleveland Leaders of Catholic Dioceses bet on World Series

LAKEWOOD, OH — Everyone is holding their breathe approaching the World Series Game 7 tonight, including two leaders of Catholic dioceses in Chicago and Cleveland who are betting on the outcome. Bishop Richard G. Lennon of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland and Archbishop Blase J. Cupich of the Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago bet on local food vendors to help feed the hungry, while supporting their home teams, Cleveland.com reports.

"Both cities have waited an eternity for this moment. So while it will be a historic win for either side, we feel it's only right to celebrate by giving back," Cupich said in a statement.

If the Cubs lose, Cupich will provide Chicago deep dish pizzas and baked goods to over 100 guests of the Bishop William M. Cosgrove Center in Cleveland.

"We are confident in our team, and yet, I have to admit that I feel a bit guilty since in our tradition it is a sin to bet on a sure thing," Cupich said.

If the Indians lose, Lennon will feed more than 100 guests of the evening supper program for the homeless, which is sponsored by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago.

"Archbishop Cupich isn't the only one praying for a win," Lennon said. "If by some devilish mistake the Indians were to lose, we will hold up our end of the bargain and send some of Cleveland's finest dishes to a Catholic Charities ministry in Chicago so they can join in the celebration."

The two dioceses include nearly 3 million members, Cleveland.com reports. The Archdiocese of Chicago is the third largest in the U.S., and serves 2.2 million Catholics in 347 parishes. The Catholic Diocese of Cleveland serves about 700,000 Catholics in eight Cleveland counties.

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