ABC-7’s learns how you can see the pope in Juarez

ABC-7 has new information on how to see Pope Francis when he visits El Paso’s sister city on Feb. 17.

First, the Diocese of El Paso reported tickets for the pope’s Mass near the U.S./Mexico border will be given to a limited number of parishioners in the Sun City. Diocese spokeswoman Liz O’Hara told ABC-7 on Thursday she wasn’t sure how many tickets would be given to the El Paso Diocese.

“Once we are allotted our share of tickets, the diocese will then turn around and we have a plan to give tickets to parishes and then our tickets in El Paso will be distributed to the parishes as well, ” O’Hara said.

However, the Diocese of Juarez says while each of its parishes will get 400 tickets to the event, there are no plans to set aside tickets for parishes in El Paso.

“They’d have to ask for the tickets here because I don’t think we’ll be able to send tickets to a diocese in the U.S.,” Juarez Diocese spokesman Father Hesiquio Trevizo said. “But if people (from El Paso) come and ask for tickets, we’ll give them out gladly.”

Father Trevizo also thanked Catholics across the border Thursday ahead of the weekend’s push to collect money for the pope’s visit.

“We’ve learned and are infinitely grateful to the El Paso diocese for the collection they’ll be having both Saturday and Sunday on our behalf, ” Trevizo said. He added, “It is extremely important. Our thanks to the most reverend bishop, the priests, the faithful in El Paso. This help is very important and very beautiful.”

The Diocese of Juarez spokesman also said he hopes Catholics in Las Cruces will do the same.

If you’re not in line to get a ticket to see Pope Francis’ cross-border Mass on Feb. 17, Juarez officials say you can volunteer to take part in the 25-mile long Human Chain. The Diocese in Juarez wants 80,000 people to stand shoulder-to-shoulder and act as a barrier to keep the public from blocking Pope Francis as he makes his way through the city.Keep in mind, volunteers will also have other responsibilities, such as helping visitors with food and water and recruiting homeowners to offer food and shelter for those in town for the historic visit.

ABC-7 also confirmed with the Diocese of El Paso that an event is being planned at the Sun Bowl while Pope Francis performs his afternoon Mass. O’Hara told ABC-7 the details are being finalized for the venue and the program. O’Hara said they’re looking at having national and local acts and parishes and schools are ready to participate. We’ve also learned there will be a cost for those Sun Bowl tickets to offset the cost of the venue. O’Hara said she doesn’t know what the price tag will be but they are trying to keep affordable “so a family for four or five can go without breaking the bank.” The Diocese of El Paso also stated it is no longer organizing a viewing event in the Segundo Barrio area. The Diocese is instead encouraging the faithful to go to the Sun Bowl. Why the Sun Bowl? The diocese conducted a poll recently and based on the responses, they estimate 30,000 would like an opportunity to be in community to watch Pope Francis’ Mass. About half of them chose the Sun Bowl as their preferred venue.

As Father Trevizo said Thursday, “We’re up against the clock. We’re about five weeks away.”

Count on ABC-7’s complete coverage of the Pope in Juarez on air, online at kvia.com/pope, kvia.com on Facebook and @abc7breaking on Twitter.