In a significant event held at the White Sox baseball stadium in Chicago, Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, addressed young people, sharing a message of hope and faith on Saturday. This event marked one of the pope’s first direct communications to Americans following his election on May 8, 2023, after the passing of Pope Francis earlier that year on April 21.
During a video broadcast that reached not only those present at the stadium but also viewers online, Leo emphasized the importance of finding healing and hope through God. "So many people who suffer from different experiences of depression or sadness—they can discover that the love of God is truly healing, that it brings hope," he stated. His message resonated with the ongoing Jubilee year of hope declared by his predecessor, Pope Francis.
Structured by the Archdiocese of Chicago to honor Leo's recent elevation to the papacy, the event celebrated the pope’s roots and included various performances. Among the highlights were musical contributions from the Leo Catholic High School Choir and a musician from Peru, reflecting Leo’s background as a missionary who spent much of his career in Peru before rising within the Vatican hierarchy.
In his address, Pope Leo encouraged listeners to become beacons of hope in their communities. He said, "To share that message of hope with one another—in outreach, in service, in looking for ways to make our world a better place—gives true life to all of us, and is a sign of hope for the whole world." This appeal to service underscores the Catholic Church’s mission to nurture a community based on selfless giving and support.
The program was hosted by Chicago Bulls announcer Chuck Swirsky and featured personal stories from individuals who knew Leo during his formative years. This included reflections from a former teacher and a high school classmate, showcasing Leo’s deep local connections within the Chicago community.
Additionally, the event recognized the intertwining of Catholicism and baseball, culminating in a special invitation from the Chicago White Sox for Pope Leo to throw out a ceremonial first pitch at an upcoming game. This gesture not only highlights respect for the pope's heritage but also signifies the cultural intertwining of faith and sports in American society.
Pope Leo XIV, aged 69, has dedicated his life to serving as an Augustinian missionary, fostering faith and community ties. His election as pontiff marked a historic moment in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church, bringing the papacy to America for the first time.
Concluding the day’s events, Cardinal Blase Cupich, the archbishop of Chicago and one of the key figures in Leo's election, celebrated a Mass that further cemented the community's connection to their new leader. Throughout the day, the feelings of joy, hope, and faith permeated the gathering, reinforcing the message that, even in challenging times, there exists a profound possibility for a hopeful future rooted in love and service.
