In White Sox stadium broadcast, Pope Leo XIV sends message of hope to Chicago and the US
Share this @internewscast.com


In his first words directed specifically to Americans, Pope Leo XIV told young people on Saturday how to find hope and meaning in their lives through God and in service to others.

“So many people who suffer from different experiences of depression or sadness they can discover that the love of God is truly healing, that it brings hope,” the first American pope said in a video broadcast on the jumbotron at the White Sox baseball stadium in Chicago.

The event set in Leo’s hometown and at the home stadium of his favorite major league team was organized by the Archdiocese of Chicago in honor of his recent election as pope. Leo seized the opportunity to speak directly to young people, tying his message to the Catholic Church’s ongoing Jubilee year of hope that was declared by Pope Francis.

In Saturday’s message, Leo urged those listening in the stadium and online to be beacons of hope capable of inspiring others.

“To share that message of hope with one another in outreach, in service, in looking for ways to make our world a better place gives true life to all of us, and is a sign of hope for the whole world.”

The afternoon program, emceed by Chicago Bulls announcer Chuck Swirsky, highlighted Leo’s roots, including music by the city’s Leo Catholic High School Choir and a musician from Peru, according to the event’s program. There was also a discussion featuring a former teacher of the pope as well as a high school classmate and fellow Augustinian.

The event also celebrated the mixing of Catholicism and baseball, including a special invitation from the team for Leo to throw out a ceremonial first pitch at a future White Sox game.

Leo, formerly Robert Prevost, was elected May 8, becoming the first American pope in the 2,000-year history of the church.

Leo, 69, spent his career serving as an Augustinian missionary and ministering in Peru before taking over the Vatican’s powerful office of bishops. He succeeded Pope Francis, who died April 21.

“When I see each and every one of you, when I see how people gather together to celebrate their faith, I discover myself how much hope there is in the world,” Leo said in the video message.

The program was followed by a Mass celebrated by Cardinal Blase Cupich, the archbishop of Chicago who was part of the conclave that elected Leo.

___

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

With Japan’s population crisis, anti-foreigner sentiments and political figures are gaining traction

TOKYO – Outside a train station near the capital, a large crowd…

U.S. Government Closes Due to Congress’s Inability to Agree on Funding

The federal government entered a shutdown at midnight on Wednesday as congressional…

Could a potential collision between an asteroid and the moon lead us to consider using nuclear intervention?

If an asteroid were directed toward a collision with the moon, what…

Florida Increases Penalties for Evading Police Pursuit

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) — Nearly 30 new laws came into effect on…

Disfigured and with a damaged jaw, ’32 Chunk’ claims victory in ‘Fat Bear Week’ 2025

From a dozen to just one: Scarred “32 Chunk” was crowned the…

Retailers Propose Rounding Prices to the Nearest Nickel to Eliminate Pennies

Internet Explorer 11 is not supported. For a better experience, please visit…

Johnson City Rotary Club Reveals ‘Peace Pole’ at Rotary Park

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — The Johnson City Rotary Club unveiled a…

‘Wheel of Fortune’ Contestant Sets Record for Highest Winnings Ever on the Show

STAMFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — A Connecticut woman set a record on “Wheel…

Daniel Day-Lewis Returns from Retirement, Rekindles His Passion for Acting Thanks to His Son

NEW YORK – It’s been eight years since Daniel Day-Lewis retired from…

Chunk Crowned 2025’s Top “Fat Bear”

Internet Explorer 11 is no longer supported. For the best browsing experience,…

Most National Parks to Stay Open Amid Shutdown, But Liberty Bell Venue Shuts

NEW YORK – Wednesday morning saw crowds boarding boats to visit the…

Five Additional Homes Fall into the Ocean on North Carolina’s Outer Banks

In Buxton, North Carolina, two offshore hurricanes generated significant swells that led…