A special mass Monday morning in Chicago marked the life and legacy of Benedict XVI, the late pope emeritus, who died on Saturday at age 95.

ON THURSDAY. >> THE VATICAN SAYS THE FUNERAL WILL BE WHAT BENEDICT WANTED, SIMPLE. THEY EXPECT 60,000 PEOPLE WILL ATTEND BILLING ST. PETER'S SQUARE. >> A SPECIAL MASS HERE IN CHICAGO MARKED THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF POPE BENEDICT. THE CARDINAL LED WORSHIP BOTH IN SONG AND PRAYER AT HOLY NAME CATHEDRAL AND WE THANK THEM FOR THEIR LEADERSHIP IN SERVICE TO THE CATHOLIC CHURCH. HE CALLED ON THE FAITHFUL TO LEARN ON THE HUMILITY AND DEDICATION TO SCHOLARSHIP. >> JOSEPH RATZINGER COULD HAVE REMAINED COMFORTABLE IN THE WORLD OF IDEAS AND THEORIES. BUT HE MADE HIMSELF VULNERABLE TO THE POINT THAT HIS ENCOUNTER WITH JESUS, RATHER THAN THE SAFE WORLD OF IDEAS GAVE DECISIVE DIRECTION

Chicago News Sports Events Culture

There is a reason the city has been crowned the world’s best sports town for the past two years. While the sports themselves have been numerous in the past, a number of factors have contributed to the renaissance in recent memory. For starters, the city is home to many of the major players in a variety of sports. The Chicago Cubs and the Chicago White Sox have forged numerous longstanding partnerships. Additionally, the city has hosted a handful of storied sporting events over the decades.

Not to mention, the aforementioned Bears have been a fixture on the sporting scene since 1919. As a result, the city has enjoyed a healthy level of sports funding in recent times. That and other factors are likely to have a direct impact on sports fans of all stripes in the near future. A plethora of sports aficionados have migrated to the Windy City, a move aided by the many sports venues residing in the Loop and surrounding neighborhoods. Moreover, the plethora of neighborhoods has created a diverse sports community that is not afraid of a challenge. With that in mind, it is hardly surprising that the city’s sports and entertainment offerings have received several awards and accolades over the years. Considering the number of high-end restaurants, breweries, and distilleries a stone’s throw away, a new wave of sophisticates and sports fanatics are clamoring to call the city home.