Rate Field, home of the Chicago White Sox, will be transformed into a place of worship on June 14 for "Chicago Celebrates Pope Leo XIV," an event honoring the first U.S.-born and Chicago-native pope. Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Prevost in Dolton, Illinois, is known for his lifelong devotion to the Catholic Church, and to the White Sox. The Mass will feature a personalized video message from the pontiff, according to NBC Chicago.
Tickets for the event went on sale Friday via Ticketmaster for $5, with on-site parking available. In addition to the religious service, the celebration will include musical performances and personal testimonials. The program will be emceed by Chicago Bulls announcer Chuck Swirsky. Gates will open at 12:30 p.m., with the pre-Mass program beginning at 2:30 p.m. and the Mass at 4:00 p.m., as reported by WGNTV.
Described as a “once-in-a-lifetime celebration of the election of the first Chicago-born Pope,” the event is expected to draw large crowds. Pope Leo XIV, who was seen attending Game 2 of the 2005 World Series, remains a notable supporter of the White Sox. Coinciding with the event, his childhood home in Dolton has been listed for auction.
