Pope Leo XIV to Address Global Youth via Video at Chicago Celebration on June 14
Pope Leo XIV will deliver a special video message to young people around the world during a public celebration at Rate Field, the home stadium of Major League Baseball’s Chicago White Sox, on June 14.
The Archdiocese of Chicago announced the event to honor the election of Pope Leo XIV, the first pontiff born and raised in the Chicago area. The gathering will feature a Catholic Mass, live music, a documentary film, and personal stories highlighting the pope’s life and journey to the papacy.
A native of Chicago’s South Side and lifelong White Sox supporter, Pope Leo XIV has strong ties to the local community. In recognition of his connection to the team, the White Sox recently unveiled a mural on the stadium’s lower-level concourse, located near the seat where he watched Game 1 of the 2005 World Series.
Brooks Boyer, the White Sox executive vice president and chief revenue and marketing officer, shared with MLB.com that the pope has an open invitation to throw the ceremonial first pitch at any White Sox game.
The event at Rate Field will begin at 2:30 p.m., with gates opening at 12:30 p.m. and Mass starting at 4:00 p.m. Ticket information will be released soon, according to the Archdiocese.
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