Pope Francis to canonize missionary with California roots
MISSION HILLS, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Pope Francis announced his plans to canonize Franciscan missionary Junipero Serra when he visits the U.S., raising the question - will he do it in Los Angeles?
The last pope to visit Los Angeles was Pope John Paul II back in 1987. Local Catholics said they would love it if Pope Francis held the ceremony in Southern California.
Thousands of people in the Philippines gathered to welcome Pope Francis on Thursday. On his flight to Manila, he told reporters that he will make Serra an American Saint in September. The pope plans to visit Philadelphia, but many Catholics hope the canonization ceremony is held in California.
Serra was a Spanish missionary who founded nine missions in California. He left his career as a professor in order to bring Christianity to Native Americans in the West.
"It's about time. He's one of the most iconic names associated with the state of California because of what he did in bringing Christianity here," said Cynthia Brown, a Chatsworth resident.
At the San Fernando Mission, Serra is depicted in several drawings on display in the museum. Monsignor Francis Weber says Serra is well deserving of sainthood.
"Today, perhaps more than any other time, you need heroes for young people. We don't have a lot of authentic heroes, and he was an authentic one," Weber said.
Most candidates for sainthood must have a second miracle attributed to them after beatification. But in Serra's case, the pope said the miracle process is not carried out.
He said Serra was a great evangelizer of the Western United States and venerated by the people of God.
"I think he had a tremendous impact on California history, so it's definitely an honor that he would be recognized in that way," said Teresa King with Chatsworth Hills Academy.
Pope Francis will attend the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia in September. There is no word yet on when he will announce where the canonization ceremony for Serra will be held.
