Chicago celebrates hometown Pope Leo XIV at special Rate Field mass 02:09. Pope Leo XIV delivered a message of hope by video message on Saturday at a celebration and mass at Rate Field, honoring , June 14 (UPI) -- More than 30,000 are gathering in Chicago Saturday to see Pope Leo XIV deliver a video message to a crowd in his hometown. The Pope, who was born and raised in Chicago as, Under a bright sun, around an altar set up at centerfield, more than a dozen priests and bishops led by Chicago Cardinal Blase J. Cupich concelebrated a special Mass for the election of a first-ever Chicago-born pope. Trinity Sunday's vigil Mass June 14 was at Rate Field, the home park of the Chicago White Sox, Pope Leo XIV's favorite baseball , Chicago is hosting a citywide celebration and mass on Saturday for the first American-and Chicago-born Pope. Why it matters: Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to deliver a video message for youth from the Vatican, but some are also wondering if the Holy Father will wade into politics., People exit the Red Line before making their way to Rate Field as Chicago celebrates the election of Pope Leo XIV with a citywide gathering and Catholic Mass in Chicago on Saturday, June 14, 2025., .