Pope Leo XIV appeared on the big screen during the opening ceremony for the Les Turner ALS Foundation’s 24th Annual ALS Walk for Life at Soldier Field Saturday morning to share a message of hope, love and compassion.

“Death is not the final word,” said the Pope. “Love conquers death.”

The Pope shared his message to the crowd, including some living with ALS and many who have lost a loved one to the terminal disease.

“I’m very happy to join you in Chicago,” said Pope Leo XIV in a video recording. “I’m filled with admiration and gratefulness for the researchers and scientists gathered here."

Among the crowd was Father Jim Halstead, who is fighting his own battle. The Augustinian priest is a long-time close friend of the Pope.

“I’m just grateful for my life and for all these people in my

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