Rate Field, home of the Chicago White Sox, was more than just the site of a baseball game this past weekend. Saturday, June 14th, it became a sacred space for a message of hope. During a special event honoring his South Side roots, Pope Leo XIV spoke via video from the Vatican, delivering a brief but soul-stirring address that left thousands in the stadium moved and silent.
Speaking in his warm, slightly accented English, Pope Leo offered a series of powerful reflections. Here’s what stood out:
- The Trinity is love. That love isn’t distant. It is an intimate invitation to step into the very life of God.
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Real community matters. No likes, no follows. Real friendships. Leo urged us to rediscover one another in authentic, human connection.
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To the young and disillusioned: “God sees you. You are never alone.” A special shout-out to those young people who feel disconnected or rejected.
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God’s love is unearned, unconditional, and unshakable. We don’t have to perform for it. It’s already ours.
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Be a light. Even in dark times, we are called to carry and reflect the light of Christ. That’s not an option; it’s a mission.
Back in the studio, Patrick Madrid reflected on the moment’s power:
“That part about opening your heart to God’s love? That’s the line we need to sit with. Really sit with.”
Patrick noted how deeply timely the Pope’s message was, especially now, when people are exhausted, angry, uncertain, and longing for peace. Pope Leo didn’t dodge the darkness. He simply lit a match in the middle of it.
“God is still pouring out His love,” Patrick reminded listeners. “All He asks is that we open our hearts and share it.”
If you missed the message, find it here and consider sharing it with someone else. In a world that’s stretched thin, a few minutes of hope might just make all the difference.