Pope Francis Will Celebrate D.C. Mass in Spanish to Recognize ‘Large Hispanic Population’ in U.S.

Pope Francis will celebrate Mass in Spanish in Washington, D.C., later this month in a bow to the large Hispanic population in the United States.

Cardinal Donald Wuerl, archbishop of Washington, D.C., said the Mass, to be held on September 23 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, will be in Spanish in “recognition of how large the Hispanic population in the United States is,” says the Washington Examiner.

“And he’s coming as the first pope from the New World and the predominant language in this hemisphere is Spanish,” added Wuerl, stating that non-Hispanics will be given translations on jumbotrons.

Wuerl also said that the Church and Pope Francis are seeking greater welcome to immigrants.