It's pretty exciting—Pope Leo XIV, who grew up right here on the South Side, is going to be part of a big Mass event in Chicago on June 14. No, he won’t be there in person (he’s a little busy being the pope), but he will be sending a special video message during a huge youth-focused Mass at Guaranteed Rate Field.
The event’s being called “Chicago Celebrates Pope Leo XIV,” and it’s not just some small gathering. Thousands of people are expected to show up, and honestly, it’s a big deal—not just for Catholics but for Chicagoans in general. This is the first American-born pope ever, and he’s one of our own.
A Hometown Moment That Feels Personal
If you didn’t already know, Pope Leo XIV was born Robert Francis Prevost. He grew up in Dolton, just outside the city, and spent a lot of time on the South Side. So yeah, this is personal for a lot of people around here. The fact that he’s coming back—well, virtually—is really something.
And get this: he’s a diehard White Sox fan. The Mass is actually happening at the Sox’s home field, which feels kind of perfect. The team is even putting together a tribute for him at the stadium, including a throwback to when he went to Game 1 of the 2005 World Series. So if you’re a Catholic and a Sox fan, this event is basically made for you.
During the Mass, people can expect music, short films about his life, stories from folks who knew him or were inspired by him, and of course, the main event: his message. It’s aimed mostly at the youth, which is cool because there’s been this big push to get young people more involved in the Church again.
Here’s What You Need to Know If You’re Going
Alright, so if you’re thinking about going—or you’re just curious—here’s what’s happening:
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Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025
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Where: Guaranteed Rate Field, 333 W. 35th St., Chicago
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Time:
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Gates open at 12:30 PM
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The event starts at 2:30 PM
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Mass begins at 4:00 PM
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Anyone can go. It’s open to the public, and more info about how to get tickets (if needed) will be shared soon by the Archdiocese of Chicago. They’re expecting a big crowd, so you might want to plan ahead.
This whole thing is about more than just religion—it’s about community. It’s about celebrating someone who grew up in the same neighborhoods as many of us and went on to become one of the most important religious figures in the world. It’s a chance to feel connected, inspired, and maybe even a little proud of where we come from.
So yeah, if you’ve got time that Saturday and want to be part of something kind of historic, it might be worth checking out.
Image Source: Los Angeles Times
