WASHINGTON — The papal visit to D.C. in two weeks will provide a sense of home for Spanish-speaking Catholics, many of whom have roots in Central or South America.
While in the city, Pope Francis will celebrate mass in Spanish, the Argentine’s first language.
His decision also acknowledges the presence of Hispanics in Catholicism and the Spanish-speaking communities living in the United States.
Nationwide, one-third of American Catholics are Hispanic, according to the Pew Research Center.
“I guess it gets to my heart easily,” said Mirna Roca, a Hispanic Catholic who plans to attend the pope’s mass. “Everything in my own language makes a difference.”
Pope Francis will celebrate mass Sept. 23 on the east portico of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and the University Mall at The Catholic University of America.
“This is a very great opportunity for all the Catholics in this area,” said Francisco Cartagena. “In my opinion, this is a very big ‘God’ gift for us.”
He said Pope Francis has struck a chord with Hispanics, in part because of his concern for poor and immigrant communities.
Claudia Quinonez, who’s from Bolivia, said her grandmother received communion from John Paul II. She sees Pope Francis’ visit as an emotional, full-circle experience.
“Spanish is my first language, and I feel a special connection to it,” she said. “Knowing that the Pope is from Argentina makes it even closer to where I’m from.”
