Social media users have pointed out that Pope Leo XIV intends to hold a mass in Chicago on the same day as Donald Trump’s birthday and a military parade in Washington D.C., claiming this is a “top tier” troll of the US president from the pontiff.
While the parade will be on June 14, which is Trump’s birthday, it is actually meant to be in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, but you have to wonder if Trump is treating as an event in his honour?
The White House said in a statement earlier this month that the event is to celebrate the “greatest military in the world”.
“There is no event grand enough to adequately capture our gratitude for the millions of heroes who laid down their lives defending our freedom, but this parade will be a fitting tribute to the service, sacrifice, and selflessness of all who have worn the uniform,” it said.
One X account wrote: “IS THE POPE TRYING TO EMBARASS? Pope Leo will be celebrating a mass in Chicago on the same day as Trump’s birthday military parade. The Chicago crowd is estimated to top 1 million people… far larger than the expectations for the parade. Your thoughts?”
Pope video
Though Pope Leo XIV will be on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean on the day, the pontiff’s supporters will get to hear from him at a Mass and celebration of his election next month at Rate Field.
Pope Leo will offer a “special video message to the young people of the world,” at the event, which is scheduled for June 14 at 333 W. 35th St., home of the White Sox, the Archdiocese of Chicago announced.
The “once-in-a-lifetime celebration” will include music, film, in-person testimonials and prayer, the archdiocese said. A Catholic Mass will be celebrated after the program.
Gates will open for the event at 12:30 p.m., with the celebration taking place at 2:30 p.m. and the Mass beginning at 4 p.m., the archdiocese said. More information on the event will come later.
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