April 30, 2025

Local Catholics excited for Pope Francis visit to U.S.

Des Moines area churches to host vigil, watch party

By Jamee A

Pope Francis looks out from the Hill of the Cross in Holguin, Cuba, Monday. Francis traveled to Cuba's fourth-largest city, Holguin, to celebrate a Mass at the Plaza of the Revolution, and visit the pilgrimage site, before heading to Santiago de Cuba. (AP Photo)

As only the fourth pope to visit the United States, Pope Francis’ visit has Catholics across the country and those in Newton excited about the impact he’ll make. The pope will make stops in Washington, D.C., New York City and Philadelphia during his five day trip beginning Tuesday.

Deacon Dan Goetz of Sacred Heart Catholic Church said that even before being elected pope, the then Arch Bishop of Buenos Aires, Jorge Mario Bergolio, touched lives and influenced those who were poor, rich, powerful, voiceless, strong and weak. As Pope Francis he continues to do that.

“I have no doubt that his visit to New York City, Philadelphia, the White House and his address to Congress will influence and touch people in that same way. I am especially anticipating his words to Congress. It doesn’t matter who we are, where we worship or if we don’t — Pope Francis brings to the United States a message for all of us,” Goetz said. “My hope is that whether we are at the White House, seated in Congress, attending events in New York and Philadelphia or watching him on our computer or TV we all take that message to heart.”

Pope Francis lands in Washington D.C. Tuesday evening and begins activities on Wednesday including a visit to the White House where he will meet with President Barack Obama.

“It’s exciting. It doesn’t happen very often and certainly with a relatively new pope and the changes that have occurred over the past few years, it is wonderful to get the opportunity to see and share with Pope Francis what is going on in the United States,” Sacred Heart Catholic Church member Marty Stratton said.

On Thursday, Pope Francis will give a speech to the Senate and House of Representatives in a joint session of Congress. He will be the first pope in history to ever address Congress.

“I think it is wonderful that he is coming. I think it’s great that he is going to talk with Congress,” said Shirley Dont, another member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. “I really like that he is non-judgmental, he is open to all people, he has special concern for the oppressed, the poor people, anybody that is not necessarily looked up on very well. He really cares about these people. I really like the fact that he seems to be so human.”

Friday, Pope Francis will head to New York City where he will perform a multi-religious service at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum and take part in a papal motorcade through Central Park. His visit concludes with a Mass at Madison Square Garden.

During his first day in Philadelphia, Pope Francis will visit the Festival of Families and attend a prayer vigil with World Meeting of Families. The following day he with meet again with organizers, volunteers and benefactors of the World Meeting of Families among other events.

“With Pope Francis’ visit, we see just how important the family is to him since he is coming to take part in the world’s largest gathering of Catholic families, known as The World Meeting of Families Conference,” director of Lifelong Faith Formation at Sacred Heart Luke Gregory said. “With Pope Francis’ visit to the United States, I think that U.S. Catholics will be given a sense of renewal, a renewal of hope. I believe that, as a result of the Pope’s visit, this rekindling of hope will give Catholics in America the desire and motivation to step up and make a difference in our society, to be the voice for the voiceless as well as a testament to the beauty of traditional marriage.”

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com