Students and faculty shared their “pure joy and excitement” to the news of Villanova University graduate Robert Prevost becoming Pope Leo XI
Faculty and students react to Villanova University alum Pope Leo XIV
Villanova grad and White Sox fan Pope Leo XIV donned the Chicago team’s hat during an event in Rome June 10, days before Chicago readies for a June 14 event to honor Pope Leo’s ties to the South Side.
The Rate Field event on June 14 coincides with President Donald Trump’s birthday, the U.S. Army’s military parade, Flag Day and a slew of anti-Trump “No Kings” protests nationwide. The stadium gathering will celebrate former Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost’s election as the first American pope in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church, which took place following the Conclave vote on May 8.
While it’s obvious the pope is a Chicago White Sox fan — sorry Cubs fans — will he be in attendance for his event on June 14 in the Windy City? Here’s all you need to know, from appearances to tickets and more. Plus, that White Sox photo.
What is the Pope Leo Rate Field event? What to know about Pope Leo Mass Chicago
“Chicago Celebrates Pope Leo XIV” will take place on Saturday, June 14 at Rate Field, home of the Chicago White Sox. The event, open to all faiths, is billed as a “once-in-a-lifetime celebration of the election of the first Chicago-born pope,” according to the Archdiocese of Chicago.
It will include music, film and in-person testimonials and prayers from choirs and groups before concluding with a Catholic Mass presided over by Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago. Chicago Bulls announcer Chuck Swirsky will serve as emcee.
Is Pope Leo in US? Will Pope Leo be in Chicago June 14?
No. Pope Leo will not be physically present in Chicago for the event, but he will participate remotely from Rome. A video message will be played during the gathering.
Pope Leo XIV, who grew up in the south suburbs of Chicago, is a White Sox fan who was spotted at the Southwest Side ballpark, now known as Rate Field, during Game 1 of the 2005 World Series against the Houston Astros.
Pope Leo June 14 event time
Gates for the event open at 12:30 p.m. CT, with the program starting at 2:30 p.m. Mass will begin at 4 p.m. (All CT)
Pope Leo June 14 event tickets
Although roughly 10,000 tickets sold in 15 minutes on May 30, the day they were made available, Ticketmaster shows a limited number of tickets still available for the event. Tickets cost $5, and can be purchased here.
Pope Leo June 14 livestream
The Archdiocese of Chicago will livestream the Chicago event on their website beginning at 2:55 p.m. To be notified or to view the livestream, you can head to the website here. You can also watch it via YouTube.
Here’s Pope Leo White Sox hat photo
Pope Leo XIV was greeting newlywed couples in Rome on Wednesday, June 11, when he was snapped wearing the Chicago White Sox hat, further cementing his love for the team:
The Chicago White Sox naturally shared a photo of the pope representing the South Side, briefly replacing his traditional zucchetto skullcap:
Lori Comstock is a New Jersey-based journalist with the Mid-Atlantic Connect Team.