CHICAGO — At the "Wrigley Field" stadium, where cheers for the "Chicago White Sox" usually echo, an event beyond sports will take place on June 14, 2025. Pope Leo XIV, the first American Pope, will address the world via a video message debuting during a grand celebration organized by the Chicago Archdiocese. Tickets for this unique event, which will feature prayer music, performances, and a Catholic Mass, will go on sale on May 30 at 10:00 AM for only $5. In a city proud of its son Robert Prevost, who became the 267th Pope, this event will be not only a spiritual moment but also a celebration of Chicago identity, where faith, culture, and baseball intertwine in harmony.
From Baseball Field to Spiritual Center
"Wrigley Field," home of the "White Sox," has witnessed historic moments before. In 2005, it celebrated victory in Game 2 of the World Series, and among the fans was a young Robert Prevost, whose passion for the team became a local legend after his brother John shared the story. Now, with Prevost having become Pope Leo XIV, the "White Sox" honored him with a graphic installation on the lower bleachers, and the stadium is preparing to host thousands of believers and guests for an event promising to be one of the brightest on the Chicago calendar in 2025.
According to the Chicago Archdiocese, the celebration will begin on June 14 at 2:30 PM, after gates open at 12:30 PM. The central moment will be a video message from the Pope addressed to "the youth of the world." "It will be a message of hope, a call for unity in times of discord," shared Cardinal Blaise Cupich, who will lead the Mass at 4:00 PM and deliver the homily. Vatican insiders note that Leo XIV, known for his closeness to people, seeks to inspire youth towards active roles in creating peace, drawing from his experience working with Venezuelan refugees in Peru and his upbringing in the Chicago neighborhood of Harlem.
A Program that Unites Hearts
The event at "Wrigley Field" is not only a religious gathering but also a cultural celebration reflecting the spirit of Chicago. Chuck Swirsky, the legendary voice of the "Chicago Bulls," will be the host, bringing warmth and energy to the evening. The program will include prayer music from local choirs, performances by artists, and spiritual reflections preceding the Mass. "It will be a celebration of faith — but in Chicago style — lively, open, with a touch of jazz and baseball spirit," says an organizer from the archdiocese, who wished to remain anonymous.
The stadium, which seats over 40,000 spectators, is open to all. According to the seating map, seats are available in all sectors except the field level, reserved for clergy and distinguished guests. Tickets costing $5 are symbolic, intended to make the event accessible for everyone. Parking on-site will cost an additional $5, and organizers advise arriving early due to expected crowds. "We want everyone to feel part of this moment," the archdiocese notes on its website.
Chicago and the Pope: A Historic Connection
Electing Robert Prevost as Pope on May 8, 2025, was a triumph for Chicago, which he calls home. Born in 1955 in the Harlem neighborhood, Prevost grew up in a family with French-Italian and Spanish roots, attending the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. His path from seminary student of the Order of Saint Augustine to bishop of Chiclayo in Peru, then to the Vatican, is remarkable. "He has always been a community-oriented person," recalls Jesús León Ángeles, a friend of the Pope from Peru. "In Chiclayo, he stayed overnight in shelters with refugees to understand their pain."
Chicago takes pride in its Pope, though not without controversy. Recently, local authorities announced plans to confiscate the house where Prevost grew up to recognize it as a historic landmark, sparking debates about property rights. "It's a tribute to Leo XIV, but we must respect the law," comments a representative of the archdiocese. At "Wrigley Field," these debates will take a backseat as the focus shifts to the message of peace.
Global Resonance
The event at "Wrigley Field" extends beyond Chicago. Leo XIV, who began his pontificate on May 18 with a Mass at St. Peter’s Square attended by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has already established himself as a voice for peace. His first words after election — "Peace be with you!" — echo around a world suffering from wars and discord. In Chicago, where diversity is part of the city’s DNA, his call for unity resonates especially strongly. "He speaks not only to Catholics but to everyone seeking hope," says María Gónzalez, a parishioner from Pilsen planning to attend.
On X (formerly Twitter), Chicagoans share enthusiasm, calling the event "historic" and "a chance to feel the Vatican in our city." Some, however, express concerns about logistics: "Hopefully, parking won’t turn into a nightmare," writes a user from South Side. Organizers assure they are working with city authorities to ensure smooth traffic flow.
Looking to the Future
The celebration at "Wrigley Field" is not only a moment for Chicago but also a signal to the world. Leo XIV, who chose his papal name in honor of Leo XIII, known for his social doctrine, aims to make the Church "a beacon in darkness." His video message, to be broadcast on giant stadium screens, is expected to touch on youth, justice, and environmental issues — topics prominent in his sermons in Peru.
For Chicago, recently ranked among the top five summer destinations in the US by TripAdvisor, this event adds another layer to its cultural map. From Millennium Park to jazz clubs in Bronzeville, the city is known for surprises, but June 14 will offer something deeper — a chance to unite around faith and hope. As the "Wrigley Field" gates prepare to open, Chicago holds its breath, awaiting the words of its Pope that could change not only hearts but history itself.
