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3mo ago

Pope Leo XIV Delivers First U.S. Address in Hometown White Sox Park

His video greeting to 30,000 White Sox fans urged community solidarity in contrast to President Trump’s military parade in Washington

Pope Leo XIV delivers a video message during a public celebration hosted by the Chicago White Sox and the Archdiocese of Chicago for the election of Pope Leo XIV, featuring a mass at Rate Field in Chicago, Illinois, U.S., June 14, 2025. REUTERS/Carlos Osorio
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Pope Leo XIV gives a message to Rate Field during a citywide gathering and Catholic Mass at the ballpark in Chicago on June 14, 2025. (Audrey Richardson/Chicago Tribune)

Overview

  • Pope Leo XIV delivered his first direct address to a U.S. audience in a seven-minute video at Rate Field, honoring his Chicago South Side roots and speaking to young people worldwide.
  • The celebration opened with tailgating and featured a Mass presided over by Cardinal Blase Cupich, performances by local choirs and remarks from community leaders.
  • Approximately 30,000 attendees filled the ballpark and viewers from around the globe tuned in via the Archdiocese of Chicago’s livestream.
  • Cardinal Cupich used his homily to denounce the scapegoating of undocumented immigrants, underscoring the event’s focus on social justice.
  • Organizers highlighted Pope Leo’s lifelong White Sox fandom with archival 2005 World Series footage and a commemorative stadium installation at Section 140.