Various figures from throughout Chicago's secular and religious communities came together to honor Pope Leo XIV on June 14 at Rate Field.
Rate Field is the home of the Chicago White Sox, Pope Leo's favorite baseball team.
The event, which was organized by the Archdiocese of Chicago, was emceed by Chuck Swirsky, the play-by-play voice of the Chicago Bulls and a reader at Holy Name Cathedral.
Cardinal Blase Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, noted that is has "been an exciting time since Pope Leo was elected," quipping "I know, I was there."
Cupich said he could "sense the energy in Chicago" following the election of the first U.S.-born pope.
Ecumenical dialogue was a priority for Pope Leo, noted Cardinal Cupich, who then introduced Bishop Simon Gordon, the senior pastor of Triedstone Church of Chicago and president of the Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago.
The Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago is an ecumenical group representing 40 faiths. Many of those faith leaders were present at the event, said Simon.
Pope Leo, said Gordon, is not just a pope from the United States, but is "a pope that speaks Chicago English," which brought cheers from the crowd.
"Our hopes are high. Our hopes are high because a new generation of optimism will embrace new opportunities," said Gordon, adding, "We look forward to the many blessings that will enhance our lives and our faith community.
"May God's voice be clear to you and may God's word be even clearer through you."
"This is our heavenly hope, and this, Pope Leo, is our prayer for you," said Gordon. "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."
Next, Brooks Boyer, the chief revenue and marketing officer of the Chicago White Sox, addressed the crowd.
"I'm extremely excited to say 'we have a pope from Chicago.' And I must say, he looks great in a White Sox Cap," said Boyer.
Leo's election, said Boyer, was truly historic.
This week at the general audience, one of the pilgrims gave the Pope a baseball cap of his favorite team, and the Pope put it on.
'The heartbeat of the people of Chicago'
"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."
Lions, which is the translation of Leo's name, said Boyer, are symbols of strength, pride, and quiet leadership.
"Pope Leo represents who we are: not just with his words, but the way he walks through the world," said Boyer. Leo "defines and represents the heartbeat of the people of Chicago."
"For Southsiders and all of Chicago, the name Leo XIV represents all of us, and I'm certain we will see all of these traits on display as Pope Leo leads all of us in our faith," he said.
Boyer then offered Pope Leo the chance to throw out a first pitch at a game.
"Your Holiness: you've always been one of us. You grew up here. You sat right over there in section 14o during the World Series. You wear a Sox cap like it's made for you. On behalf of the White Sox and all of our fans, we'd be honored to have you back here at Rate Field to throw out a ceremonial first pitch. The mound is waiting, your crowd is certainly ready, and your team, the White Sox, is here with open arms. You pick the date, and we'll be ready to go. We'll send a ball to the Vatican so you can get your arm prepared for another historical event in your hometown of Chicago."
Memories from teachers, friends
Two people who grew up with Pope Leo during his time in school and in the Augustinians then discussed the kind of person the future pope was, sharing both humorous and tender memories.
Sr. Dianne Bergant, a former teacher of Pope Leo at Catholic Theological Union, said that the future pope was a good student and dedicated to his studies. She even said that she has all of his transcripts, because she has saved them for all of her students.
She pointed out that the future pope attended the school in 1978, about a decade after the Second Vatican Council. Another student went on to be martyred in Brazil and is now on the road to canonization, she said.
Pope Leo, said Fr. John Merkelis, a high school classmate of the Pope's and a fellow Augustinian priest, is a "down to earth guy" who taught him how to drive a stick shift car. And he recommended that if you ever have to play Trivial Pursuit, get the Pope on your team.
Beyond being a brilliant mind, the Pope is a "phenomenal listener," and "wants to show the love of God."
After meeting the Pope for a few minutes, "you know he's going to be a leader," said Fr. Merkelis, noting that he was not surprised that the then-Fr. Robert Prevost was given various leadership positions in the Augustinian Order.
That being said, "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 said.
You can watch the event here.
An invitation
Youth quickly began to respond to the Pope's invitation in the video address.
“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," said Samantha Weil, 26, from Chicago.
