Local students, teachers to see Pope Francis in DC

Pope Francis is the first pope to address congress and some Coachella Valley locals are heading to the nation’s capital to witness his historic visit.

Four students and two teachers from Xavier College Preparatory High School in Palm Desert leave for Washington D.C. Wednesday morning.
In August, Congressman Raul Ruiz held a lotto for 50 tickets, to give locals a chance to see Pope Francis.

The school selected students based on their involvement and community outreach to take the two-day trip.

“I’m super excited to go. This is the first time a Pope is addressing congress. This is history in the making,” said 17-year-old Hill.

“I feel very honored and special to be able to have this opportunity to go,” said Mojica.

They won’t meet the pope, but they’ll watch a live telecast as he gives his speech.

“Thursday we’re going to stand out on the congressional lawn and watch the pope on jumbo trons and then he’s supposed to come out and like wave to us in person person,” said theology teacher David Gregory.

“I’d like for him to address immigration because there definitely needs to be reform to the immigration,” said Hill.

Each student will pay a minimal amount of the travel costs and with help from donors, Xavier Prep will cover the rest. They plan to visit monuments, museums and take a campus tour of Georgetown University. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity in the middle of Homecoming week.

“I’m getting back Friday morning. I have to play a game that night, so it’s going to be kind of crazy, but definitely worth it,” said Hill.