The Archdiocese of Chicago hosted a celebratory event on June 14 at Rate Field, honoring Pope Leo XIV, who has captured the hearts of many in the city.
This gathering drew various notable figures from both the religious and secular communities of Chicago, all coming together to recognize the significance of having a U.S.-born pope.
Rate Field, home to the Chicago White Sox, is also noted as Pope Leo’s favorite baseball team, adding a special touch to the festivities.
Emceed by Chuck Swirsky, the play-by-play voice of the Chicago Bulls and a reader at Holy Name Cathedral, the event was filled with excitement and camaraderie.
Cardinal Blase Cupich, the archbishop of Chicago, remarked on the thrill surrounding Pope Leo’s election, humorously noting, “I know, I was there.”
He expressed that he could feel the energy surging across Chicago in the wake of the election of the first U.S.-born pope.
Cardinal Cupich went on to speak on the importance of ecumenical dialogue, a priority for Pope Leo, before introducing Bishop Simon Gordon, the senior pastor of Triedstone Church and president of the Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago.
This council, which encompasses representatives from 40 different faiths, was well-represented at the event.
Bishop Gordon emphasized that Pope Leo is not only a pope from the United States but also one who embodies the spirit of Chicago, drawing cheers from the crowd.
“Our hopes are high. Our hopes are high because a new generation of optimism will embrace new opportunities,” Gordon stated, also adding, “We look forward to the many blessings that will enhance our lives and our faith community.”
He ended his remarks with a heartfelt prayer for the pope: “This is our heavenly hope, and this, Pope Leo, is our prayer for you. We know what God puts in you, life expects from you. So live long, Pope Leo XIV, we salute you, and may God bless you and His righteousness in you.”
Following Bishop Gordon, Brooks Boyer, the chief revenue and marketing officer of the Chicago White Sox, took the stage to address the audience.
“I’m extremely excited to say ‘we have a pope from Chicago,’” he said, complimenting how well Pope Leo looks in a White Sox cap.
Boyer described Leo’s election as historic, highlighting a recent moment at the pope’s general audience where a fan presented him with a baseball cap of the team, and he graciously wore it.
He reflected on the connection between the pope and the city, stating, “Think about that: A man who is now leading over a billion people in faith was sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with the fans in some of the greatest moments in White Sox history.”
Boyer also elaborated on the meaning behind the name Leo, which translates to lions and symbolizes strength, pride, and quiet leadership.
He asserted, “Pope Leo represents who we are: not just with his words, but the way he walks through the world,” adding that Leo exemplifies “the heartbeat of the people of Chicago.”
Boyer then extended a special invitation for Pope Leo to throw out a ceremonial first pitch at a future White Sox game, saying, “On behalf of the White Sox and all of our fans, we’d be honored to have you back here at Rate Field.”
He expressed eagerness for the moment, saying they would prepare a baseball for the Vatican so the pope could practice for this special event.
The event also featured personal anecdotes from those who knew the future pope during his formative years.
Sr. Dianne Bergant, who taught Pope Leo at the Catholic Theological Union, described him as a good student committed to his studies. She humorously shared that she saved all his transcripts over the years.
Pope Leo began attending school shortly after the Second Vatican Council, and she acknowledged the impact of that era on his development.
Fr. John Merkelis, a high school classmate of the pope’s and an Augustinian priest, shared heartwarming stories about Leo, remembering him as a “down to earth guy” who even taught him how to drive a stick shift car.
Merkelis praised Leo’s character, calling him a “phenomenal listener,” who deeply desires to show the love of God.
He remarked not only on Leo’s brilliance but also on the leadership qualities he displayed even at a young age, saying, “After meeting the Pope for a few minutes, you know he’s going to be a leader.”
Yet he added, “I was surprised about the pope. That was a little more than I thought.”
“Love you Leo. Can’t wait ‘til I see you,” he concluded, underscoring the affection many hold for Pope Leo.
The event inspired immediate responses from local youth, who resonated with the pope’s invitation for unity and connection.
Samantha Weil, 26, from Chicago, shared, “I was really moved by the Pope’s message to young people. As a teacher and parishioner, I see how deep the need for community is, and I appreciated that he specifically invited young people into that unity.”
image source from：https://aleteia.org/2025/06/14/chicago-celebrates-pope-leo-xiv-hears-his-1st-address-to-usa/
