A virtual appearance scheduled by Pope Leo XIV at Chicago's Rate Field is scheduled on Saturday. That's also the day of the Army's 250th anniversary parade and fireworks at the U.S. Capitol.
Some media outlets are indicating that a planned conflict was set up. But the Pope's virtual message to an anticipated full capacity audience at the Chicago sports stadium will be finished ahead of the Army event.
The Archdiocese of Chicago lists the Saturday program starting at 2:30 pm, with the following Mass expected to begin at 4:00 pm. The Army has shown the start time for the parade beginning at the National Mall in D.C. at 6:30 pm. and is expected to run through about 8:00 pm. An anniversary fireworks show will follow the conclusion of the parade.
The church has billed the event as "A once-in-a-lifetime celebration of the election of the first Chicago-born Pope." The church said the message from the pope will be directed at the "young people of the world."
Newsweek reported that the $5 tickets for the event at the home stadium of the Chicago White Sox baseball team went fast. As of Friday, it was a sellout event. The stadium seats nearly 41,000, which includes over 400 wheelchair-accessible seats.
Some of the Pope's public comments, including stands on nationalist political movements and immigration, may be indicators of whether he may say something pointed toward the policies and trade strategy of President Donald Trump.
Jim Mishler ✉
Jim Mishler, a seasoned reporter, anchor and news director, has decades of experience covering crime, politics and environmental issues.