For the first time ever, Pope Leo will address his hometown of Chicago virtually — right as Trump throws a military parade
God-fearing Americans will face a unique choice this Saturday: watch President Donald Trump’s lavish military-themed birthday celebration in Washington, D.C., or tune into a powerful video message and mass from newly elected Pope Leo XIV, streamed live from Chicago.
The pontiff’s message, set to reach millions globally, will be broadcast from the heart of his hometown at Guaranteed Rate Field—home of the Chicago White Sox, his favorite baseball team. The stadium, which holds roughly 40,000, was nearly sold out as of Wednesday. Tickets are available online at just $5. The prayer service, targeting the youth of the world, starts at 2:30 p.m. local time, followed by a full mass at 4:00 p.m. Both events will be live-streamed for global participation.
Meanwhile, roughly 700 miles away in the nation’s capital, the mood will be far more martial.
President Trump’s military celebration is expected to include approximately 6,600 troops from the U.S. Army, along with a display of iconic military hardware. The list includes a WWII-era B-25 bomber, a P-1 fighter jet, Vietnam-era Huey helicopters, 25 M1 Abrams tanks, 28 Stryker armored vehicles, and four Paladin self-propelled artillery systems—all assembled to honor both his 79th birthday and the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary.
Leo’s message, while spiritual in nature, comes at a politically charged moment.
The Pope, who ascended to the papacy just last month, has previously expressed disagreements with both President Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance through social media posts made before his election. Although the Vatican has refrained from directly naming Trump in its statements, it has been openly critical of anti-immigrant sentiments that have been tied to the current administration.
In a recent mass held at St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo addressed the rise of political nationalism across the globe. “Where there is love, there is no room for prejudice, for ‘security’ zones separating us from our neighbors, for the exclusionary mindset that, tragically, we now see emerging also in political nationalisms,” he said.
His message this Saturday, intended specifically for the younger generation, is expected to offer a sharp contrast to the president’s theatrical military showcase. While one event centers on spiritual unity and global reconciliation, the other is designed to highlight military dominance and patriotic strength.
Across the country, the contrast between these two events underscores the political and cultural divide currently gripping the nation.
On the West Coast, unrest continues in Los Angeles, where violent clashes erupted between protesters and law enforcement after controversial immigration raids. President Trump responded by ordering 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 active-duty Marines to help enforce order.
Before becoming pope, Leo had also spoken out about the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an El Salvadoran immigrant whom the Trump administration alleged was affiliated with the MS-13 gang—a claim that was never substantiated. After the administration admitted the deportation was an “administrative error,” a U.S. court compelled them to allow Garcia to return. The president of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, called the entire situation “preposterous.”
In reaction, Leo reshared a poignant article written by a Salvadoran-born bishop, asking: “Do you not see the suffering? Is your conscience not disturbed? How can you stay quiet?”
Note to our readers: This article is based on verified reporting from multiple independent and international sources, including Reuters and AP. We strive to maintain accuracy and provide balanced information while reporting on events of global significance.
