Mayor, Bishop discuss preparations for Pope visit

Preparations are underway for Pope Francis’ visit to Juarez in February.

Bishop Mark J. Seitz, of the Diocese of El Paso, and El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser held a news conference Monday to give El Pasoans an updated on Pope Francis’ visit to Juarez.

The Diocese said it rented the Sun Bowl Stadium, where it plans to show attendees a live feed of the Mass in Juarez. It is hoping to sell out the 51,500 seat stadium.

Tickets for the televised mass will go on sale Tuesday at the UTEP ticket center.

Ticket prices are $15 and $10 for parish members. A spokeswoman for the diocese told ABC-7 church administrators will have an access code that will enable parish members to obtain the $5 discount when buying the tickets.

The diocese will provide live entertainment in addition to the televised Mass.

During Monday’s news conference, Leeser spoke about traffic control and how law enforcement agencies are working together ahead of Pope Francis’ visit.

He said street closures will be announced soon, with more to be decided after next week’s city council meeting.

EPPD spokesman Mike Baranyay spoke about partnerships with DPS, Texas Rangers and others.

More police department officers will be added to the group before the Pope’s visit.

The city has also been working with Sun Metro and area hotels to make sure people keep moving and have places to stay.

Leeser will be part of the greeting party for Pope Francis’ arrival at the Juarez airport, but said the main concern of the city will be keeping residents and the hundreds of thousands of visitors safe.

Seitz hopes that the visit will continue to bring both sides of the border together.