In case you haven't heard yet, the new pope is a Chicago boy—yes, the freshly minted Pope Leo XIV—formerly known as Cardinal Robert Prevost, a 69-year-old Chicago native—made history as the first-ever American pope the papal conclave earlier this month, a surprising election that had folks around Chicagoland pretty amped. (Chicago-based chain Portillo's even made a Pope-themed sandwich to celebrate). And now the White Sox are getting in on all of the holy fun, with a special event honoring Pope Leo next month.
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On Saturday, June 14, the Archdiocese of Chicago has scheduled a citywide Catholic mass and special program to be held at Rate Field (333 W. 35th Street) to celebrate Pope Leo's election and inauguration. The event will feature music, film, speakers and prayers at the ballpark, which has capacity for 40,000 participants. More information, including a start time for the event and how to purchase tickets, is still to come.
“The Archdiocese of Chicago invites media and the public to a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of the election of Pope Leo XIV, the first pope born and raised in the Chicago area,” the archdiocese said in a release. “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.”
Along with the June 14 event, the White Sox will also unveil a graphic installation at the baseball stadium, marking the location where the future pope cheered for Chicago back in Game 1 of the 2005 World Series against the Houston Astros. The Illinois-bred pontiff, who was born in Bronzeville and raised in suburban Dolton, is a lifelong White Sox fan, per his brother John Prevost, who revealed that the siblings have faithfully rooted on the Sox since they were mere altar boys, reports CBS News.