Pope Visit Will Be Historical For Spanish Speaking Community
BALTIMORE (WJZ)--With each day we are closer to the arrival Pope Francis' first visit to the United States. This is a historical moment for many, particularly the Spanish speaking community in our area.
WJZ's Marcus Washington explains.
Pope Francis' arrival is highly anticipated by both Catholics and non-Catholic alike. It's also a time the Hispanic community is celebrating the Pontiff, for his Latin American heritage and his primary language being Spanish.
"You feel more connected and some way, just because you were born in Latin America," said Maria Flores.
Maria Flores along with his family moved to the United States from Mexico in 1998. They live outside of D.C., where the Pope will dictate mass entirely in Spanish.
"We identify on the language and maybe the things that he saw while he was young in Argentina," said Juan Carlos Flores.
While the Pope is holding mass in both Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia, many Hispanics right here in the Baltimore area are excited about his visit and the message he's bringing.
"It gives me goosebumps, it's nice we finally have a Latino Pope, because he's humble, he's passionate and I like everything about him," said Monica Camacho Perez.
Monica is part of the one-third of Catholics in America who are Hispanic.
She says she has been following the first Latin American Pope as he's received worldwide attention for push for support of the poor and immigrant communities.
"I grew up undocumented and just knowing that I would go home and not see them, not see my parents because they could get deported and it's hard living like that," said Camacho Perez.
Marcus: "So how are the immigrant's families dealing with the transition, is it hope?
"Hope is a big peace, faith is a big piece, which is part why the pope's visit is so fundamental," said Casa de Maryland Regional Director Elizabeth Alex.
No matter the language you use, the Pope's visit is uplifting.
Seeing the Pope, if you can, is a big deal. One predominately Hispanic congregation here in Baltimore, recently found out they have 10 tickets to see the Pope while in Washington, D.C.
The Pope is scheduled to visit Washington on September 22, 2015.
