On a historic night at Rate Field, Fr. Rocky, CEO of Relevant Radio and lifelong Cubs fan, found himself in unfamiliar territory: the White Sox stadium, surrounded by over 30,000 faithful, witnessing a spiritual event unlike any other. He joined Drew Mariani on The Drew Mariani Show to unpack the unforgettable evening—culminating in a powerful video message from Pope Leo XIV.
Both Drew and Fr. Rocky were struck by how personal the Pope’s message felt. “It was like listening to your neighbor or college theology professor,” Drew said. “And he’s from America. That’s still sinking in.”
Pope Leo’s address, recorded from the Vatican and broadcast on the stadium’s big screen, was calm, heartfelt, and full of spiritual clarity.
“You can’t earn God’s love.”
As St. Augustine said, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee.”
The message is now available to read via the Relevant Radio app and website.
This was no ordinary event. Pulled together in under a month, it overflowed with Catholic joy from start to finish.
The day opened with a stunning rendition of the national anthem performed by the Leo High School Choir, setting a tone of reverence and pride. Children brought smiles to everyone’s faces as they appeared dressed as miniature Swiss Guards and cardinals, reenacting a conclave with playful reverence.
Throughout the day, fireside-style conversations unfolded with friends of Pope Leo, who reminisced about his seminary years in Chicago, sharing personal stories and insights.
And at the heart of it all was a powerful Eucharistic celebration, drawing thousands together in worship and praise, filling the ballpark with a tangible spirit of community and devotion.
Fr. Rocky made an essential point: “Yes, you can stream a homily or ask AI for a sermon. But you can’t replicate this—the Body of Christ gathered, alive and joyful.”
That real presence matters. It forms us. And judging by the energy in the stadium, this might be the beginning of a new springtime in the Church.
“Young people are showing up. Communities are hungry. The Church is alive,” said Fr. Rocky.
Whether you’re a Cubs fan, a Sox fan, or somewhere in between, the Pope’s invitation is the same:
Open your heart. Let God’s love in. The rest will follow.