A Homecoming for the Holy Father
‘One of our own’: Chicago celebrates election of Pope Leo XIV
chicago residents and leaders with the Archdiocese of Chicago are celebrating the election of a native to the papacy.
CHICAGO – The city’s favorite son delivered a fastball straight from the Vatican.
Pope Leo XIV,born in Chicago in 1955,addressed tens of thousands at Rate Field,the Chicago White Sox ballpark. His message, a highlight of the party for the first American pope, resonated, especially with the younger generation.
Chicagoans flocked to the South Side to hear a special message from Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost.
- Pope Leo XIV spoke at the Chicago white Sox ballpark.
- The event celebrated the first American pope.
- Leo’s message focused on faith and community.
The message of hope and unity delivered by Pope Leo XIV was the centerpiece of a celebration at the home of his beloved ball team, the Chicago White Sox. Pope Leo XIV’s words offered encouragement to those gathered at the sunny ballpark.
leo’s address was part of a program that included words from people who knew him as Robert Francis Prevost, fourth graders who participated in a viral mock conclave, and performances by a chicago Catholic high school choir that was recently on America’s got Talent.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to invite each one of you to look into your hearts,” Leo said.”God is present and in many ways he’s calling you to look into your heart, to discover how crucial it is for each one of us to pay attention to God in our hearts, to that longing for love we may feel.”
cardinal Blase Cupich of the Chicago area celebrated Mass, and Chicago Bulls announcer Chuck Swirsky emceed the event.
Among the attendees were nuns from Chicago-area convents who had never been to the stadium before, Sox fans returning to their regular stomping grounds, and even chicago Cubs fans.
Leo, a noted White Sox fan, was recently seen wearing the team’s ball cap and was in attendance at Game 1 of the 2005 World Series. the team honored the moment with a mural at Section 140, where Leo was seen rallying the team.
Alderwoman nicole Lee of the city’s 11th Ward, which includes the stadium, attended in a retro Sox shirt.
“What a grate way to bring people together in a time when we need people to come together,” said Lee,noting the No Kings protests happening just a few miles north of Sox park and around the country. “It’s not that normal that we’re here like this and I love that that’s what we’re doing right now. We could all use a dose of energy and a word of encouragement about what it’ll take for the world to get on a better path.”
Pope-Mania Sweeps the City
The city embraced “Da Pope” merchandise, which was available in stores and on streets following Leo’s election on May 8.
South Side residents Silvia Campos and Miguel Angel Vazquez, both regular Sox fans, wore White Sox-styled pope shirts they picked up at a recent game. The jerseys featured the number 14 on the back.
“It’s a way to get closer to him,” said Vazquez. “We wouldn’t be able to get to Rome so for us this is the closest possible for now.”
The White Sox have not yet announced whether they will retire the number 14. paul Konerko, who wore the number 14 and whom Leo rooted for at the 2005 World Series, already has his name up at the stadium.
Other merchandise included jerseys with the Vatican keys and Leo’s name set against Chicago’s skyline. Grace and Janice Carpenter wore visors designed to look like a bishop’s mitre hat.
Fernando Flores,a shirt vendor outside the stadium,said his outfit sold 10,000 shirts in the weeks after Leo’s election.
“I would compare it to a championship overnight,” said Flores,45. “It’s a phenomenon where everyone wants a piece of it.”
Shirts sold for $25, while Pope Leo baseball cards from Topps were on sale for $20.Pope Francis and Pope leo XIII cards were also available.
Hopes and Prayers for the Future
The event even drew Cubs fans to the South Side park.
“I’m in enemy territory here, where do I go,” Raul Gomez asked staff outside the stadium. The 36-year-old North Side resident said it was his first time back at the stadium in 10 years.
“A whole stadium filled with Catholics, Pope Leo the first American pope, from Chicago, I needed to be a part of that,” he said. “That lineage from Peter somehow goes through Chicago, how amazing is that.”
Gomez, satisfied with the Cubs’ performance, hoped Leo would also offer support to other Chicago teams.
“I’m hoping Leo does some kind of prayer for the Bears as they’re deep in the hole,” he said.
The amiable rivalry between the North and South sides was just one of the things many hoped Leo would help bridge.
“As a Latina, it’s very meaningful to see somebody as pope who understands the reality of Latin America, of the poor,” said Teresa montes-Lara, a dominican nun originally from Mexico. “I hope he challenges us in our faith and I want to hear something about migrants, about the radical obligation the church has.”
Cupich addressed the issue in his homily at the Mass. “It is wrong to scapegoat people without documents, for indeed they are here due to a broken immigration system,” he said. “They are here not by invasion but by invitation.”
Dr. Joy Henningsen flew in from Nashville for the event. The radiologist, who lived in the Chicago area until 2020, said her family was devoted to Pope John Paul II. They attributed a miracle to the pope that led a doctor to discover a piece of glass near her father’s heart.
“I believe in the power of healing via the Holy Father so I’m here asking for healing and peace in the world,” said Henningsen. “I would not miss this for the world.”
Waiting for the First pitch
Those who knew Leo in Chicago also spoke.
Father John Merkelis, a high school classmate from the same Augustinian order as Leo, said he was emailing Leo in the days leading up to the conclave.
“He said he’s sleeping well because an American is not going to be pope,” said Merkelis. Days later,the priest said he was at an Augustinian house shouting “that’s Prevost,that’s Prevost” when leo was announced.
The Augustinian said Leo is a guy who can change a car’s oil and is an excellent Wordle player.He remembers him best as the man who waited past midnight to share his condolences when Merkelis got home after his dad died.
“He was there waiting on the stairs,” he said. “He’s a sensitive, sensitive man.”
Dianne Bergant, a former teacher, said she remembered him as an excellent student. She also celebrated the Chicago community that raised him. “It says something about the education he got,” she said.
Many at the stadium hoped the event was a preview of Leo’s in-person return.
Brooks Boyer, a White Sox executive, said that the “mound is waiting” for Leo.
“Your holiness, you’ve always been one of us, you wear the Sox cap like it was made for you, on behalf of White Sox fans, we’d be happy to welcome you back for a first pitch,” Boyer said. “We’ll send a ball to the Vatican so your arm is prepared.”
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The anticipation for a papal visit to Chicago heightened after the auspicious Rate Field event. The prospect of Pope Leo XIV throwing out the first pitch at a White Sox game has captivated fans. White Sox leadership is readying the stadium and even a commemorative baseball for the Vatican.
A Ball and a Blessing: The First Pitch Dream
The connection between Pope Leo XIV and the White Sox runs deep, evident in the team’s eagerness to welcome him back. The excitement surrounding the first pitch is palpable, fueled by the pope’s well-known affection for the team and his Chicago roots.
Brooks Boyer’s formal invitation highlighted the mutual respect between Leo and the South Side faithful. “We’ll send a ball to the Vatican so your arm is prepared,” he had assured.
Though the exact timing of a visit remains unconfirmed there is palpable optimism across the city. Imagine the roar of the crowd as Leo steps onto the mound,a symbol of faith and community gracing the diamond.
Remembering the 2005 World Series
The bond isn’t new. White Sox fans fondly recall Leo’s attendance at the 2005 World Series, a moment immortalized with a mural at Section 140. His presence seemed to galvanize the team, hinting at a special connection that transcends the game.
The team’s excitement over the possibility of a ceremonial first pitch underscores this. The White Sox understand the importance of Leo’s support. The team realizes the profound impact his presence would have.
Community Impact and Expectations
Beyond the sports arena, Pope Leo XIV’s impact on Chicago resonates. His messages of unity, faith and community find a powerful voice. His ability to connect with people, from youth to the faithful, shows his commitment.
The Chicago community has found hope and a call for unity in the first american pope. What does Pope Leo XIV’s papacy mean for the Chicago community? It signifies pride,with a leader who understands the area’s people.
As Teresa Montes-Lara noted,there is hope the pope will address issues such as migration and social justice. His responses to the city’s complex realities could echo through the local communities.
The Catholic Church and the Pope have a chance to offer their support to the local community. The city waits to see how the Pope addresses the complexities of our contemporary world.
The Future: A Time of Hope
The overall feeling surrounding the pope Leo XIV’s influence on Chicago is hope. The people of the city are waiting in anticipation of his return.
The anticipation for a potential visit and the first pitch is a testament to the deep connection. It’s not only a game, it’s a reunion, a celebration of faith, and the shared heritage. The mound is waiting.
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