Pope Leo XIV, who has roots in Chicago and is a longstanding fan of the White Sox, sent a heartfelt video message to a packed crowd at a Catholic Mass held at the team’s home stadium, Guaranteed Rate Field. This moment marked a significant occasion as it was the new pope’s first public address to the United States since his election on May 8, succeeding the late Pope Francis.
In the message, which lasted about seven minutes and played on the stadium’s jumbotron, Pope Leo urged Chicagoans to set aside selfish tendencies and promote a spirit of hope and community, emphasizing the importance of unity. His Chicago accent resonated with the crowd as he stated, “We have to look for ways of coming together and promoting a message of hope.”
The event was organized by the Chicago archdiocese and included various local figures, such as Bulls announcer Chuck Swirsky. There was a festive atmosphere with numerous attendees, including children in Sox jerseys and vendors selling “Da Pope” merchandise. The gathering coincided with demonstrations across the U.S. protesting against the Trump administration’s immigration policies, though the pope chose to focus solely on his uplifting message rather than political commentary.
Cardinal Blase Cupich led the Mass, and educators from the Catholic Theological Union expressed their hope that the pope’s message would serve as a catalyst for unity and healing within the community. Fundraising efforts for tickets were remarkable, with cheap $5 tickets selling for over $1,200 on resale sites shortly after they were released, highlighting the immense interest in the event.
Pope Leo, born Robert Prevost, previously served in Peru as a bishop and missing connection to Chicago was celebrated during the Mass, which began with a performance of Peru’s national anthem followed by the U.S. national anthem. This event signals a new chapter for the Catholic Church as it navigates various societal challenges, with many hoping that Leo’s leadership will provide a path toward unity and inclusivity.
Rev. Tom McCarthy noted that the White Sox’s struggles this season (39-121) have fans praying that the Mass brings some divine favor to the team, saying, “We need all the help we can get.”
Overall, the gathering represents not just a celebration of faith and community but also a symbol of hope for Chicago and the broader Catholic community as they embrace a future under Pope Leo XIV’s guidance.
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