Pope Leo XIV will appear via a video message at the June 14 event at Rate Field hosted by the Archdiocese of Chicago, the archdiocese announced on Wednesday, May 28.
"Pope Leo XIV will greet us in Chicago and offer a special video message to the young people of the world, which will be broadcast first from our event," said the archdiocese.
Earlier in the month, the Archdiocese of Chicago announced they would host an event and Mass on June 14 honoring their hometown pope. The event will be held at Rate Field, home of the Chicago White Sox. Pope Leo XIV is a lifelong fan of the team.
"Greetings everyone. I'm just back in Chicago for a few days before returning to Rome for the installation of Pope Leo XIV this weekend," said Cardinal Blase Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, in a video released on YouTube on May 17.
"But I wanted to let you know that we are planning a gathering at Rate Field on June 14, to celebrate his election," he said, adding that more details will be released soon.
"Watch this space," he said.
A statement released by the Archdiocese of Chicago called the event a "once-in-a-lifetime celebration of the election of Pope Leo XIV, the first pope born and raised in the Chicago area."
"Pope Leo XIV’s message of peace, unity and the key to a meaningful life have touched hearts across the globe. This celebration is an extraordinary opportunity for people from the city and beyond to come together in shared pride for one of our own," said the statement.
In addition to the Mass, there will be "music, film, in-person testimonials, and prayer," said the statement.
Pope Leo XIV was born in Chicago as Robert Prevost. He was raised in the nearby suburb of Dolton, Illinois.
In 2005, the then-Fr. Robert Prevost attended game 1 of the 2005 World Series, watching the Chicago White Sox defeat the Houston Astros 5-3. Pictures and video of Prevost at the game went viral shortly after his election to the papacy.
Ticket information for the event has not been released.
