Pope Leo XIV: Message at Rate Field – NBC Chicago
- Chicago's Rate Field was the site of a special Mass and celebration Saturday honoring Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff and a well-known White Sox enthusiast.
- Chuck Swirsky, the Chicago Bulls announcer, emceed the event.
- Cardinal Cupich introduced a recorded message from Pope Leo, noting the pope's specific request to address young people.
Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, delivered an inspiring message at Chicago’s rate Field, focusing on hope, community, and the vital role of young people. The event, marked by a special Mass and community leaders’ tributes, highlighted the pontiff’s call for unity and faith. Cardinal Cupich shared the pope’s recorded address, urging listeners to seek meaning through service and recognize God’s presence, especially amidst global challenges like the pandemic. His words of encouragement resonated, emphasizing the importance of faith in overcoming difficulties. He called on the youth, the primary_keyword, to become beacons of hope, echoing the secondary_keyword, community building. News Directory 3 covered the event comprehensively. Witness the power of faith and community. Discover what’s next on NBC Chicago.
Pope Leo XIV Celebration Held at Rate Field
Updated June 14, 2025
Chicago’s Rate Field was the site of a special Mass and celebration Saturday honoring Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff and a well-known White Sox enthusiast. The event highlighted the important role of faith and community.
Chuck Swirsky, the Chicago Bulls announcer, emceed the event. speakers included Sister Dianne Bergent, Father John Merkelis, and Cardinal Blase Cupich, all of whom shared personal anecdotes about the pope.
Cardinal Cupich introduced a recorded message from Pope Leo, noting the pope’s specific request to address young people. The message focused on finding hope and purpose, especially given recent global challenges. The pontiff emphasized the youth’s vital role in shaping a better future.
Leo greeted attendees, emphasizing the importance of community. He then spoke directly to young people, acknowledging the difficulties they have faced, including the pandemic and periods of isolation.he encouraged them to recognize God’s presence in their lives.
“It might potentially be that the context of your life has not given you the chance to live as participants in the faith community,” Leo said. “I’d like to take this opportunity to invite each one of you to look into your own hearts to recognize that god is present.”
The pope urged listeners to seek ways to serve others,emphasizing that true meaning can be found through friendship and community building. He noted the healing power of faith,notably for those experiencing anxiety,loneliness,or depression.
pope Leo called young people “the promise of hope,” stating that the world needs them. He encouraged them to unite in a common mission of promoting peace and harmony.
Quoting St.Augustine,the pope reminded everyone that positive change begins with the individual. He expressed his belief that even a small light of hope can grow brighter through unity and communion.
Leo concluded by encouraging everyone to embrace their “restless hearts” and recognize how god can work through them. He invited all to be beacons of hope and signs of peace.
“God bless all of you,so that you might always be beacons of hope,signs of hope and peace throughout our world.”
What’s next
Following the message,a special Mass was broadcast on the NBC 5 Chicago streaming channel,continuing the celebration of faith and community.