Pope’s visit touches Juarez, El Paso
Photo courtesy of Miguel Fraga
March 16, 2016
Over 200,000 people attended the historic mass held by Pope Francis, Feb. 17. The Pope toured the city’s streets on his way to the mass in “El Punto,” a special altar built for the Pope’s visit, the tour went from the airport to Cereso prison to an auditorium to meet with business leaders to the mass.
“It was an amazing event to be a part of,” sophomore Felicia Barraza said. She attended the mass in Juarez.
Pope Francis chose Juarez over many other cities in Mexico.
“The mass was dedicated to all the things the people in Juarez have gone through, he [the Pope] asked specifically that the people that have suffered the most be in the front of the mass. It was a great experience,” senior Jennifer Martinez said. She attended the mass at the Punto said.
People from as far away as California went to Juarez to experience the once in a lifetime opportunity.
“I felt so much peace through the whole thing. People sharing their faith together in a city that has suffered so much,” sophomore Evelyn Torres said. She attended the mass too.
The event benefited the city’s economy because of all the tourism the city attracted on such day.
“Pope Francis is probably the most powerful man in the world, and we had him so close. That does not happen a lot. Even if you are not religious, it was still a very important event and his message was really universal. I think people should take advantage of his visit and wise words,” senior Jessica Tarin said. She participated in the tour event.
Pope Francis’s visit was labeled as pastoral meaning his message was mainly for catholics, however many agree his visit was far reaching.
“What he said was very true. A lot of the things were things we hear all the time but coming from someone like the Pope I hope people can take in his message of peace and community, specially in a world that only cares about materialistic things nowadays,” Martinez said.
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