The South Side native’s message was aimed particularly at young people. “That restlessness you feel in your hearts, we shouldn't look for ways to put out the fire, to numb ourselves to the difficulties we feel,

“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.