By Holly Meyer | Related Press
In his first phrases directed particularly to People, Pope Leo XIV informed younger folks on Saturday learn how to discover hope and that means of their lives via God and in service to others.
“So many people who suffer from different experiences of depression or sadness — they can discover that the love of God is truly healing, that it brings hope,” the primary American pope mentioned in a video broadcast on the jumbotron on the White Sox baseball stadium in Chicago.
The occasion — set in Leo’s hometown and on the dwelling stadium of his favourite main league staff — was organized by the Archdiocese of Chicago in honor of his current election as pope. Leo seized the chance to talk on to younger folks, tying his message to the Catholic Church’s ongoing Jubilee yr of hope that was declared by Pope Francis.
In Saturday’s message, Leo urged these listening within the stadium and on-line to be beacons of hope able to inspiring others.
“To share that message of hope with one another — in outreach, in service, in looking for ways to make our world a better place — gives true life to all of us, and is a sign of hope for the whole world.”
The afternoon program, emceed by Chicago Bulls announcer Chuck Swirsky, highlighted Leo’s roots, together with music by the town’s Leo Catholic Excessive Faculty Choir and a musician from Peru, in accordance with the occasion’s program. There was additionally a dialogue that includes a former trainer of the pope in addition to a highschool classmate and fellow Augustinian.
The occasion additionally celebrated the blending of Catholicism and baseball, together with a particular invitation from the staff for Leo to throw out a ceremonial first pitch at a future White Sox sport.
Leo, previously Robert Prevost, was elected Might 8, changing into the primary American pope within the 2,000-year historical past of the church. Leo, 69, spent his profession serving as an Augustinian missionary and ministering in Peru earlier than taking up the Vatican’s highly effective workplace of bishops. He succeeded Pope Francis, who died April 21.
“When I see each and every one of you, when I see how people gather together to celebrate their faith, I discover myself how much hope there is in the world,” Leo mentioned within the video message.
This system was to be adopted by a Mass celebrated by Cardinal Blase Cupich, the archbishop of Chicago who was a part of the conclave that elected Leo.
Related Press faith protection receives assist via the AP’s collaboration with The Dialog US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely accountable for this content material.
Initially Printed: June 14, 2025 at 1:47 PM PDT
