Work begins on massive altar for pope’s Mass in Juarez

Work is underway at the site of Pope Francis’ big Mass by the border.

Workers on Tuesday began preparing the ground to build the massive altar for the Mass that will draw nearly a quarter of a million people.

The pope will visit Juarez on Feb. 17.

The Catholic Diocese of El Paso will collect donations this weekend to help offset some of the costs across the border.

“It’s a now-or-never moment for Juarez,” the spokesman for the Juarez diocese said. “It’s the chance to present a new image of the city ravaged by violence so recently.”

While 220,000 people are expected at the Mass by the border, less than half of them will be from Juarez. Churches in northern Mexico will be issued 120,000 tickets.

The best way to see the pope up close, organizers said, is along his drive.