Pope Leo and Trump's Big US Events Get Very Different Weather Forecasts

Newsweek

16 hours ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Two major public events scheduled for Saturday—President Donald Trump's military parade in Washington, D.C., and a public mass honoring Pope Leo XIV in Chicago—are expected to unfold under very different weather conditions.
Why It Matters
In Chicago, tens of thousands are expected to attend a citywide mass at Guaranteed Rate Field celebrating Pope Leo, the first U.S.-born pontiff. The pope is not attending in person but will deliver a video message during the event.
Forecasts from AccuWeather and the National Weather Service (NWS) indicate sunshine and partly cloudy skies, accompanied by mild temperatures, with a 6 percent chance of precipitation.
On the same day, Washington, D.C., will host a major military parade celebrating the U.S. Army's 250th birthday. It is also Trump's 79th birthday.
D.C. forecasts predict cloudy and humid weather, with a 78 percent chance of rain and possible thunderstorms, which could disrupt key segments, including the flyovers and parachute demonstrations.
What To Know
The Archdiocese of Chicago says on its website that the papal celebration "will feature a video message from Pope Leo XIV to the young people of the world, which will be broadcast first from our event, there will also be celebration prayer music. This celebration will be livestreamed."
Leo will appear on big screens at Rate Field, home of the Chicago White Sox, at the event.
Gates for the event open at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, with the program set to begin at 2:30 p.m. The day will conclude with a Holy Mass at 4 p.m., led by Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago.
Pope Leo XIV, Robert Prevost appears on the balcony of the St Peter's Basilica at The Vatican on May 8, 2025.
Pope Leo XIV, Robert Prevost appears on the balcony of the St Peter's Basilica at The Vatican on May 8, 2025.
ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP/Getty Images
Trump's "Salute to America"–style military parade begins in the late afternoon along Constitution Avenue. It will feature thousands of military personnel, hundreds of vehicles, and a flyover of 50 aircraft.
The New York Times reports the parade will feature 28 M1A1 Abrams tanks (each weighing 70 tons), 28 Stryker armored personnel carriers, more than 100 other military vehicles, 6,700 soldiers, 50 helicopters, 34 horses, two mules, and one dog.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport will shut down for several hours on June 14 to accommodate Washington's military parade, affecting more than 100 flights and thousands of passengers.
What People Are Saying
President Donald Trump said at the Congressional Picnic on Thursday: "I hope the weather's OK, but actually if it's not, that brings you good luck, and that's OK, too. It doesn't matter. It doesn't affect the tanks at all, it doesn't affect the soldiers. They're used to it. They're tough. Smart."
The Vatican's news service, in a June 2 press release: "Although Pope Leo XIV will not be present in Chicago for the event, he has announced that he will be participating remotely from Rome, with a video message to be played at the gathering."
What Happens Next
Officials in both cities are preparing for large crowds and heightened security. In Washington, protest groups have announced plans to demonstrate, and contingency plans are being reviewed due to weather risks.