In his first words directed specifically to Americans, Pope Leo XIV told young people on Saturday how to find hope and meaning in their lives through God and in service to others.

“We want to celebrate that he’s not only from America, but he’s from Chicago, and he’s from the South Side,” said Rose Carlson, 42, as she filed into the ballpark with her husband, Eric.

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.