Pope Leo XIV Addresses Youth, Highlights God’s‌ Healing Role

Updated June 14, 2025

Chicago—Pope Leo XIV, in his inaugural address to the American people, urged young individuals to discover hope and purpose through faith and community service. Speaking from a video broadcast at the Chicago White​ Sox stadium, the pontiff, the first American to hold the position, connected with his hometown.

“God’s love is truly ⁤healer,” Leo XIV said, addressing those struggling with sadness. He linked ⁤his message to the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year of Hope, previously declared ⁢by Pope Francis.

The event, hosted by the Archdiocese of Chicago, featured music from Leo Catholic High school and ⁣a Peruvian musician.A discussion panel included a former teacher, a high school classmate, and an Augustinian colleague of ⁣the Pope.

the​ program also celebrated the intersection of Catholicism and baseball, with the White Sox extending an invitation for the Pope to throw out a ceremonial first pitch at a future game.

Robert Prevost became Pope Leo XIV on May 8, succeeding Pope Francis,‍ who died ​April 21. Before​ leading the Vatican, he served ​as an Augustinian missionary and minister in‍ Peru.

Cardinal Blase Cupich, the Chicago archbishop who participated in the papal selection, was scheduled to ⁢hold a Mass following the program.

What’s next

Pope Leo XIV is expected to continue focusing on themes of hope and service throughout his papacy, with potential ‍visits and further addresses planned to engage with young ‍people globally.