Thousands of Catholics gathered at Chicago’s Rate Field this weekend — but this wasn’t your typical ballgame crowd.
Instead of cheering for the White Sox, the stadium buzzed with excitement as hometown hero Pope Leo XIV delivered a heartfelt video message from across the ocean.
Though he couldn’t be there in person, his words struck a chord with the people of Chicago, especially the young ones.
And his message? Simple yet powerful: be beacons of hope.
Reaching Out to the Next Generation
In the eight-minute video, Pope Leo spoke directly to young people, urging them to be light-bearers in a world that so desperately needs it.
“You are the promise of hope for so many of us,” he said warmly.
He reminded them that in today’s world—still feeling the aftershocks of isolation from the pandemic and a weakening of faith communities—their presence and participation in building peace and unity is vital.
He invited young listeners to look into their own hearts, reminding them that God is already there, reaching out, calling them to know Christ.
And that, he said, is where everything changes.
Hope Comes Alive Through Service
For Pope Leo, hope isn’t just a feeling—it’s something lived out through action.
He encouraged young people to find meaning through service, friendship, and building community.
“It’s in these moments,” he explained, “that we experience true life and spread hope far and wide.”
This message was especially moving for many young attendees, who said they felt personally inspired to do more in their churches and neighborhoods.
Kids Speak Out on What the Message Meant
Michael Wyss, an 11-year-old from Queen of Angels School, said the pope’s message helped him see how staying faithful can be a way of lifting others up.
“You’ll be sharing hope with them,” he said, “and that hope could go on and be shared with everyone else.”
Fifteen-year-old Matthew Gamboa from St. Viator High School also left feeling fired up.
The pope’s words about being “a beacon of light” inspired him to look for ways he could serve, maybe even start lectoring at Mass.
A Celebration with Chicago Flavor
Before the Mass began, the stadium was filled with music, laughter, and hometown pride.
Local choirs and Catholic school performers took the stage, and an original piano ballad called One of Us, written by Brother David Marshall—another Augustinian like Pope Leo—was performed in the pope’s honor.
Chuck Swirsky, the voice of the Chicago Bulls, emceed the event, which also featured touching stories from those who knew the pope personally, like his former teacher Sister Dianne Bergant and high school classmate Father John Merkelis.
Festivities Outside the Stadium
Even outside Rate Field, the celebration continued.
Chicago-area members of the Neocatechumenal Way brought the joy with songs and dances in the parking lot.
Tailgaters mingled with fellow faithful, many sporting customized White Sox jerseys that read “Da Pope” or “Pope Leo.”
Cardinal Blase Cupich opened the Mass by sharing that Pope Leo was deeply aware and appreciative of the festivities happening back home in Chicago.
A Pope Who Still Roots for the Home Team
It’s no secret that Pope Leo is a White Sox fan.
Back in 2005, when he was still prior general of the Augustinians, he even attended a World Series game at the same stadium.
More recently, he was seen wearing the team’s iconic black cap outside St. Peter’s Basilica.
Brooks Boyer, the White Sox senior VP and a fellow Catholic, even used the occasion to publicly invite the pope to return and throw out a ceremonial first pitch someday.
No U.S. Visit Yet, But Hearts Still Stirred
Although the Vatican hasn’t confirmed any plans for Pope Leo to visit the U.S., his spiritual connection to his hometown remains strong.
When asked by NBC’s Lester Holt if he’d come to the States soon, Pope Leo simply replied, “I don’t think so.”
Still, his down-to-earth nature and sports fandom might just help him stay connected to the youth back home.
Restlessness as a Calling, Not a Curse
In perhaps the most personal part of his message, Pope Leo encouraged young people not to run from their inner restlessness.
Echoing St. Augustine, he called it a sign that God is working in them.
Rather than pushing those feelings away, he said, we should lean into them—and allow them to draw us closer to God and to others.
A Blessing of Generosity and Peace
As his video message came to a close, Pope Leo asked everyone to pause—to open their hearts and receive the peace only God can give.
He reminded them that God’s love is freely given, and that our only response should be to share that love with others.
“You don’t have to earn it,” he said gently. “Just receive it. And give it away.”