Tens of thousands of faithful Catholics flooded the streets of Washington, D.C. to celebrate the visit of Pope Francis, who has demonstrated concern for economic inequality and sympathy for the journey of immigrants. Thousands of Latino immigrants from California, Texas, Nevada and other states traveled to the capital to witness the Pope’s visit and ask him to advocate for immigration reform. José López Zamorano reports from Washington, D.C.
In three languages, Sophie Cruz asked the Pope to intercede for immigrants. Photo: José López Zamorano
At 5 years old, Sophie Cruz traveled from California to Washington, D.C. to bring a message to Pope Francis. So there was no doubt of what she was saying, she spoke in three languages: Chinanteco, an indigenous language from Oaxaca, Mexico, English, and Spanish.
“”Pope Francis, I want to tell you that my heart is heart is sad,” said Sophie.”I would like to ask you to speak with the president and the Congress in legalizing my parents, because every day I am scared that one day they will take them away from me.”
The little U.S. citizen with undocumented Mexican immigrant parents from Oaxaca was able to pass the fence just as Pope Francis was passing by. When he saw her, the Pope stopped and allowed her to come over to him. He gave her a kiss and accepted her letter calling for immigrant rights.
Throughout the Pope’s visit, the streets of Washington, D.C. became a sounding board for the prayers of Latino Catholics.
Photo: José López Zamorano
“He has shown us he is a pilgrim of love, of faith, and that keeps our faith alive,” said Guillermina Castellanos, who came from California to advocate for her granddaughter who was separated from her father. “And I know he is going to accomplish big changes for immigrants, for my family and my granddaughter.”
Castellanos was with a group of 100 mothers who traveled 100 miles to call for the liberation of detained immigrants and tolerance of the Church toward the lesbian, gay, and transgender community. Elvira Díaz is the mother of a 10-year-old transgender child. She says she hopes the Church will allow him and many others to do their First Communion without fear of stigmatization.
“Out of every 100 transgender people, 40 are undocumented immigrants,” said Díaz. “That’s because worldwide, 1,500 transgender people are killed every year, and in the U.S. only 15, so it is a place to escape to, and we want the Pope to advocate for them.”
Photo: José López Zamorano
In a historic speech before Congress, the Pope reiterated his message on immigration and the migrant crisis.
“On this continent, too, thousands of persons are led to travel north in search of a better life for themselves and for their loved ones, in search of greater opportunities. Is this not what we want for our own children?” said Pope Francis.
Eliseo Medina, one of the main leaders of the immigration reform movement, said he hopes the words of the Pope effect change in the attitude of those opposing immigration form. He thinks his influence can be key.
“And what I know is that if the American people support immigration reform, Congress will have to do it sooner or later. I believe that is the impact of the Pope: to change the climate of this debate whic has become so poisonous in this country today,” said Medina.
By José López Zamorano.
