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American Pope Leo XIV Urges Youth to Find Hope Through Service \ TezzBuzz \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Pope Leo XIV, the first ever American pontiff, spoke directly to young people in Chicago on finding hope through faith and service. He emphasized God’s healing power for those struggling with sadness or depression. His message tied into the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year of Hope, urging listeners to inspire others through outreach.

Quick Looks

• Healing through God’s love: Encouraged young people facing sadness or depression to discover hope in divine love.
• Service-oriented mission: Urged youth to inspire others through acts of service and making the world better.
• Chicago roots highlighted: Event featured local music, former classmates, and connections to his favored White Sox team.
• First American pope: Elected May 8, the 69‑year‑old former missionary and bishop became the first U.S. pontiff.
• Integration of faith and culture: Ceremony included possibility of his first pitch at a White Sox game, blending faith with baseball.

Deep Look

Pope Leo XIV made a historic and deeply personal appeal to American youth this past Saturday, addressing them for the first time since his election as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. Speaking via video from the jumbotron at Chicago’s Guaranteed Rate Field—home of the White Sox and a place close to his heart—Leo urged young people to embrace hope and healing through God’s love and the service of others.

In his message, the first American pontiff did not shy away from addressing the emotional and mental health challenges facing today’s youth. He acknowledged the widespread experiences of depression, sadness, and disconnection, offering faith as a powerful and restorative answer. “So many people who suffer from different experiences of depression or sadness—they can discover that the love of God is truly healing, that it brings hope,” Leo said. His words resonated across the stadium and beyond, transmitted online to thousands watching remotely.

The event, orchestrated by the Archdiocese of Chicago, served both as a celebration of his recent elevation to the papacy and as a reflection of his personal journey. Born Robert Prevost, Leo grew up in the very neighborhoods surrounding the stadium. The choice of venue was symbolic, blending civic pride, personal history, and spiritual renewal. The program featured Chicago’s Leo Catholic High School Choir—named coincidentally but poignantly—and a musician from Peru, where Leo spent much of his pastoral career as an Augustinian missionary.

The pope’s message was rooted in the broader spiritual context of the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year of Hope, a celebration initiated by his predecessor, Pope Francis, before his death in April. Leo drew a direct line between personal faith and public service, underscoring the role of young people as agents of transformation in their communities. “To share that message of hope with one another—in outreach, in service, in looking for ways to make our world a better place—gives true life to all of us,” he said. “And is a sign of hope for the whole world.”

The event, emceed by Chicago Bulls announcer Chuck Swirsky, was rich in symbolism and personal touches. A panel discussion included one of Pope Leo’s former teachers and a classmate who shared their stories of growing up with the future pontiff, painting a portrait of a grounded, compassionate leader shaped by his roots. Their anecdotes added authenticity and depth to the proceedings, showing how the pope’s early years continue to inform his spiritual and pastoral vision.

Adding a lighter, culturally resonant note to the program was the White Sox organization’s offer for Leo to return and throw out a ceremonial first pitch—a rare intersection of baseball and religion that drew enthusiastic applause. The proposal wasn’t just a nod to his Chicago loyalties; it also underscored his unique place as a spiritual leader with strong American ties and sensibilities.

Pope Leo XIV’s historic rise on May 8 marked a groundbreaking moment for the 2,000-year-old Catholic Church. At 69 years old, his election by the College of Cardinals brought a distinctly American voice to the Vatican for the first time. Before assuming global leadership, Leo had served as the head of the Vatican’s Congregation for Bishops and spent decades in Peru ministering to underserved communities—a background that deeply informs his commitment to pastoral care and social justice.

His appearance in Chicago was also a moment of continuity and communal reflection. The Mass that followed the stadium program was led by Cardinal Blase Cupich, the Archbishop of Chicago and one of the key figures in the conclave that elected Leo. The service served as both a local and global celebration, reminding attendees that while Leo’s papacy may have begun in Rome, his message and mission remain profoundly connected to the people and streets of his hometown.

Leo’s closing thoughts in the video captured the spirit of the day. “When I see each and every one of you, when I see how people gather together to celebrate their faith, I discover myself how much hope there is in the world,” he said, affirming that community and faith continue to be powerful forces in a world longing for peace and purpose.

The event was more than a celebration; it was a call to action—a reminder that even in uncertain times, a renewed sense of hope, rooted in faith and lived through service, can illuminate the path forward.

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