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 life, and to God’s goodness in this world and the next world,” Father Halstead said.
ALS also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a neurodegenerative disease that affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Harvey Gaffen started the ALS Foundation in 1977 to honor his brother-in-law.
“Each year it’s just so special to see all these people gather together and the rainbow of colors and everybody there for a common cause and so we’re hoping that one day we’ll have a world free of ALS,” said Gaffen.
Around 2,000 people participated in the walk to raise money for care and research to find a cure for ALS, many with personal story about the fight.
Jenny Hernandez told NBC Chicago the walk is personal after losing her dad.
“My dad was diagnosed in 2020,” she said. “He battled with this for four years. He was a tough fighter.”
Hernandez walked two miles in memory of her father Mario who died last November.
“He’d be proud that we’re here speaking raising awareness still that we didn’t let it hinder us didn’t let it stop us,” she said. “Just like him he fought for four years—we’re still going to fight until something is found.”