Exhausted Bishop Cantu grateful he was chosen to travel with pope in Mexico

Las Cruces Bishop Oscar Cantu is still reminiscing on Pope Francis’ historic visit to Juarez.

Cantu was one of two bishops chosen to represent the U.S. during his trip throughout Mexico.

ABC-7 spoke with Cantu on Thursday after he had just returned. He said he was exhausted, but honored to represent the people of Las Cruces.

Cantu said he attended all five Masses with Pope Francis throughout Mexico. He even had a brief moment to speak with the pope when the bishops greeted him at the airport. That’s where Cantu gave the pope a picture book, hand painted by a diocese employee. Inside were dozens of photos of Las Crucens volunteering and showing acts of mercy.

Cantu said Francis thanked him for the gift and acknowledged all of the bishops for their efforts.

“I was standing next to Bishop Seitz and I overheard him thanking him for organizing the event at the Sun Bowl which obviously he knew of the event and was aware of it,” Cantu said. “He was just very gracious and thanked all of us for the work that we do and was encouraging.”