Valley Catholic faithful await Pope’s U.S. arrival

This week marks a special moment for Catholics across the country and world. Pope Francis will step foot for the first time on American soil. Parishioners gathered at Sacred Heart Church in Palm Desert Sunday morning for their weekly mass and shared in the excitement.

“We’re very excited about his welcoming message and his encyclical about taking care of the earth and income equality, so as a gay married couple here in California, we’re very excited about his welcoming message,” said Tony Procaccini.

Father Howard Lincoln said everyone, whether you’re Catholic or not, can learn something from the Pope.

“I hope they learn the absolute necessity of living a life of love and joy and forgiveness, and mercy and compassion, and to have a kind heart and to try and see that kind heart in others,” said Lincoln.

While the Pope won’t visit the Coachella Valley during his trip, students are raising money to see him.

“We’re trying to go to an event called World Youth Day and it’s basically like a pilgrimage, and a bunch of youth from all over the world go. And so it’s really fun,” said 11th grader Sofia Fernandez.

They need to raise $45,000 so 28 students can travel to Poland next summer.

“From that trip I hope everyone’s faith just grows and I hope everyone meets a lot of new people,” said Fernandez.

In the mean time, Catholics at Sacred Heart said they’re ready to welcome the Pope to America just as he welcomes them.