Thousands attend celebration for Pope Leo XIV at Rate Field

CHICAGO – Thousands of people came out to Rate Field Saturday afternoon to celebrate Pope Leo XIV.

Long lines were seen outside of the stadium hours before the celebration and Mass were scheduled to begin.

The event started by paying tribute to the pope’s time ministering in South America, with a performance of the Peruvian National Anthem.

The pope’s roots in North America were also recognized with a performance from students at Chicago’s very own Leo High School. The all-boys choir with the pope’s namesake has even been on this season of “America’s Got Talent.”

The highlight of Saturday’s event was a video message from the pontiff himself. He thanked the Archdiocese of Chicago for their support and shared a message of unity to those in the crowd.

“We have to look for ways of coming together and promoting a message of hope,” Pope Leo XIV said in the message

The celebration gave way to a Mass led by Chicago’s Cardinal Blase Cupich, who was involved in the process of electing Pope Leo in Rome.

“I think I’m going to remember this moment as the sermon on the mound,” Cupich joked.

To see Pope Leo XIV’s full video message to Chicago, click here.