Flashback to 2016 When Pope Francis Visited The Texas-Mexico Border

Many Catholics in the El Paso area and across the border in Juarez were shocked to hear the news that Pope Francis had passed away at the age of 88.

This news especially hit close to home for many who were present during the Pope’s historic visit to our border back in February of 2016.

Flashback to 2016 When Pope Francis Visited The Texas-Mexico Border: 

Pope Francis made a brief but powerful stop at the Texas-Mexico border as part of his five-day trip through Mexico. It was the first-ever papal visit to the Juárez-El Paso border, and people showed UP. Over 250,000 gathered at “El Punto” in Juárez. He visited Cereso state prison No. 3, the Colegio de Bachilleres Gymnasium, and of course, the moment that gave everyone chills: when he climbed that ramp to lay flowers at the three crosses, then turned toward the U.S. and blessed 600 people along the El Paso side of the Rio Grande.

I very clearly remember where I was and what I was doing the day Pope Francis made this historic visit. I was working at KVIA, handling social media in what quickly turned into the most chaotic, beautiful day in the newsroom. 

I’ll never forget the moment his plane touched down—it was history unfolding live on all local news stations, and the entire newsroom froze.

Like, even I stopped talking and let me tell you, I talk A LOT so you know it was serious!

His visit highlighted the binational culture and the humanitarian crisis migrants face. He called out Texas politicians opposing migrants and reminded the world: compassion knows no borders.

According to media outlets, The pope’s death was announced on Monday morning by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, with the statement reading: 

“Dear brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His whole life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalized.”

What Happens Now?

Well, if you saw the movie “Conclave” then you may have an idea of what will happen now as Catholic cardinals select the next Pope.

According to an article I found online from KOAT.com:

“Participants in the conclave are sequestered and forbidden from speaking to anyone outside the process, which can take several days. 

Only cardinals below the age of 80 are given a vote, which they cast in the chapel. Once each round of voting has commenced, the name of each candidate receiving a vote is read aloud along with the number of votes they received. 

Voting continues in rounds until one candidate reaches a two-thirds supermajority of the voting cardinals.”

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El Paso will never forget. Rest in peace, Pope Francis.

WATCH: Pope Francis In Mexico: Holy Mass - Febryary 17, 2025