Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Juarez (Agenzia Fides) - The news of Pope Francis' apostolic visit in Mexico has caused great joy in the country and not only: even if Juarez is one of the cities that will host the Pope Francis' visit, also for the Bishop of the neighboring Diocese of El Paso, Texas (USA), His Exc. Mgr. Mark Joseph Seitz, this moment will be a sign of unity between the two communities separated by the border.
"Even if the Pope will not cross the border, in El Paso we feel we are part of his visit, because we are a great community", said the Bishop.
The note sent to Fides also reports that Mgr. Seitz was invited by the Bishop of the Diocese of Ciudad Juarez (Chihuahua, Mexico), His Exc. Mgr. José Guadalupe Torres Campos, to be present in the group that will welcome the Pope at the airport, and then take part in the Holy Mass that will be celebrated.
The two dioceses have always promoted Christian unity and solidarity towards migrants, to the point of celebrating together significant religious events (see "an altar divided by a wire mesh that marks the border" Fides 04/11/2013), and promote the welcoming attitude towards migrants and the defense of their rights (see Fides 08/09/2015). (CE) (Agenzia Fides 15/12/2015)
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