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Chicago Tribune
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Column: Cubs, Chicagoans and Pope Leo XIV spread a message of hope and faith on a picturesque day in the city
A confluence of big events Saturday in Chicago fueled conversations all over town about our favorite topics: sports, politics, religion and weather. The Chicago Cubs were home at Wrigley Field to take on the Pittsburgh Pirates, a 'No Kings' protest rally drew thousands to our downtown streets and a special Mass was held at Sox Park to celebrate the Chicago Pope, Leo XIV, affectionately known on the block as 'Da Pope.' There was even a doubleheader soccer game at Soldier Field featuring the Chicago Fire and Chicago Stars, along with various neighborhood gatherings such as the Andersonville Midsommarfest and the Wells Street Art Festival in Old Town. If you couldn't find something to do, you just weren't trying. It's always a great day to be in Chicago in the summer, but some days are better than others. This was one of those days. Ten of thousands of Chicagoans gathered together in various locations to do what we arguably do best — party, protest and pray. The weather cooperated, even with our sputtering start to summer, and the proceedings went without a hitch from most reports. Choosing which event to attend was difficult. The Cubs had been treading water of late and needed a win over the Pirates after losing Friday and dropping consecutive series. It was a relatively big game, and the ballpark was also within walking distance. The ceremony at Rate Field was enticing since it would include Pope Leo's first public remarks to Chicagoans since he was declared a certified-fresh Sox fan. I admire and respect the Chicago Pope, but unfortunately I haven't been on speaking terms with the Catholic Church since departing St. Joseph's School several decades ago over a disagreement on what rules needed to be followed. The 'No Kings' rally against our stable-genius president — one of more than 1,500 protests around the country — was a chance to show my support for habeas corpus, democracy, inclusion and other matters of vital importance. But there was no obvious sports angle to cover, and as most readers know, I'm a stickler for sticking to sports. Photos: 'No Kings' protest in downtown ChicagoSo it was off to Wrigley Field, where the only king Cubs fans truly recognized was right fielder Kyle Tucker. I arrived at the park in good time, passing by Cubs fans filing into Murphy's Bleachers and the ballhawks setting up shop on Waveland Avenue near souvenir stands selling T-shirts of the Chicago Pope — the old Sox stickman logo wearing a pope's hat. After getting inside, I sat behind the dugout and watched Justin Turner, Matt Shaw and Pete Crow-Armstrong take pregame grounders at third. Turner was wearing neon green shoes, a blue Cubs T-shirt and blue shorts with no accessories hanging out, which meant he had upgraded his wardrobe from Thursday. Manager Craig Counsell soon came out to the dugout for a morning news conference that included information on Porter Hodge's status and Shota Imanaga's rehab start Saturday in Arizona. 'Shota has not pitched yet, so let's let him pitch,' Counsell said, preemptively cutting off questions about when Imanaga might rejoin the Cubs. The Cubs don't want to say when Imanaga will be ready to return, which makes sense since it depends on how he feels afterward. But speculation is the comeback will begin on the next trip, likely in St. Louis, about two months after he suffered a strained left hamstring. In the meantime, Cubs fans continued praying that President Jed Hoyer can acquire a frontline starter. Hoyer said during his media tour this week that adding pitching was already in his thought process, a sure sign that Chairman Tom Ricketts is convinced this team can do more than win its division. After the briefing ended, Counsell told reporters to 'enjoy the sun,' a sarcastic reference to the gloomy day, which followed Friday's gloom. 'Sun's coming,' I told him, '2 p.m.' Counsell scoffed in a way only Counsell can. The Cubs wound up beating the Pirates 2-1, as Matthew Boyd pitched well, Tucker finished with two hits and Dansby Swanson won it with a sixth-inning home run. The sun, ahem, came out around 1:30 p.m. Photos: Mass for Pope Leo XIV at Chicago White Sox's Rate FieldThat was about the same time people were filing into Sox Park for the Pope Leo XIV Mass, which was emceed by Chicago Bulls broadcaster Chuck Swirsky. The Pope's recorded message was delivered on the video board around 3:15 and ended with an invitation to be a 'light of hope.' 'Hope does not disappoint, St. Paul tells us in his letter to the Romans,' he said. '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.' It was an inspiring message that was perfect for the times we live in. After the video ended, the Leo High School choir performed for the gathering on the South Side, while 8.1 miles north, Cubs closer Daniel Palencia registered a save and beat his chest as the Wrigley faithful began singing their old-timey hymn, 'Go, Cubs, Go.' Songs of hope, for sure. As much as I admired the pope's words, I was really hoping he would end it with '… and let's go, Sox,' just to give some closure to the saga that began when the Cubs prematurely claimed him as one of their flock, only to be corrected by his brother, who said the new pope was always a Sox fan. Next came the smoking-gun video — Father Robert Prevost standing and watching the end of Game 1 of the 2005 World Series. It was a done deal. I thought that would end the argument, until I read a recent article in the National Catholic Reporter. 'The 69-year old pope also did root for the Chicago Cubs, the Sox's crosstown rivals, but that was while he was away on mission in the deeply impoverished mountains of Peru, according to his superior at that time, retired Bishop Daniel Turley of the Chulucanas Diocese in northern Peru,' the report said. 'A fellow Augustinian and Southsider, Turley said being far removed from home, living in South America, the missionaries supported all Chicago teams, including the Cubs.' So should the Cubs ask the Sox for a retraction? In truth, Pope Leo XIV's message of faith, hope and unity was universal, addressed to both Cubs and Sox fans and all those fighting to make the world a better place. And it was fitting the pope chose to deliver it to his hometown, on a memorable day when the sun came out and Chicagoans made their voices heard.
Chicago Tribune
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
What to do in Chicago this weekend: Puerto Rican Parade, Counting Crows and Old Town Art Fair
The parade is Saturday but the 44th Annual Fiestas Patronales Puertorriqueñas is already underway in Humboldt Park. Featuring a packed music lineup, a carnival, a fashion show, a Father's Day picnic, dominoes, cultural performances, artisan vendors and more, you could plan your whole weekend here. The parade will step off at noon on June 14, on Division Street from Campbell Avenue to Humboldt Drive. The holiday falls on Thursday this year but you can start your Juneteenth celebrations early this weekend in Bronzeville and Beverly/Morgan Park. Both neighborhoods will feature family-friendly festivals centered on Black culture. More events are planned throughout the city on June 19 and beyond, including the Juneteenth Music Fest, featuring Ashanti, Lil Kim, Mýa and more. Now in its 90th season, the Grant Park Music Festival continues its opening week with chorus director Christopher Bell leading 'The Planets' by Gustav Holst — perfect music to enjoy under a summer sky. The Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus will perform Lili Boulanger's 'Psalm 24' and Jake Runestad's 'Earth Symphony.' This free concert series is a Chicago delight. On her first tour since 2018, the Mexican singer-songwriter will perform introspective songs from her latest album, 'Cancionera.' Recorded in one take and inspired by her 40th birthday, 'Cancionera' was produced by Adȧn Jodorowsky; he also collaborated with Lafourcade on her Grammy-winning 2022 album, 'De Todas las Flores.' The Canadian singer-songwriter plays The Salt Shed on the heels of her spring release, 'Paid in Memories.' Counting Crows roll into Ravinia with more than 30 years of tunes to play. Their tour marks the release of 'Butter Miracle, the Complete Sweets!' Special guest The Gaslight Anthem lends a Jersey Shore edge. He's back, this time with the Chicago Philharmonic backing him — and in an era when AI is no longer a mere plot device. Feel the buzz of '80s synth in your gut as you watch a 30-something Arnold Schwarzenegger star as the iconic cyborg assassin in James Cameron's sci-fi classic. Old Town will be awash in art this weekend as both the Old Town Art Fair and Wells Street Art Festival set up shop. Celebrating 75 years and featuring fine art, the Old Town Art Fair will host more than 200 artists, a garden walk, live music and children's entertainment (magic show, face painting). A few blocks away, the 50-year-old Wells Street Art Festival will feature more than 100 artists, live music and children's entertainment (art-making activities, petting zoo). Each has its own tone — Old Town plays more garden party to Wells Street's block party — so take a day to explore them both. Sure, Midsommarfest fetes Andersonville's Swedish roots, but it also serves as a joyous kick-off to Pride season in Chicago. Drop in for the maypole dance Saturday morning, stroll Clark Street to browse artisan and vintage vendors, listen to live music, check out the drag lineup and visit the kids activity area. Or, just go to enjoy one of the city's most welcoming neighborhoods. Get your game on this weekend at the Chicago Public Library. Gamer's Universe, organized by Chicago Teen Gamer's Guild in partnership with high school-aged interns at CPL, celebrates all aspects of gaming culture. Explore original video games created by guild members, cosplay or show off your skills at gaming stations throughout Harold Washington Library Center.
