Pope to say D.C. Mass in Spanish in bow to ‘Hispanic population’

“The Mass is going to be in Spanish,” Wuerl said Wednesday while previewing the pope’s trip to reporters.

“It’s a recognition of how large the Hispanic population in the United States is,” said Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington. “And he’s coming as the first pope from the New World and the predominant language in this hemisphere is Spanish,” added Wuerl of the Argentine-born pope.

Francis, meanwhile, will use his address to Congress to call for bipartisanship, something missing for several years as Republicans and President Obama have jockeyed for power. In that speech he will speak English.

“We have to find a way to work together,” said Wuerl, adding that Francis’ message will be, “It’s possible to work together.”

The cardinal said that since Spanish is his “mother tongue,” Francis feels more comfortable speaking it. The non-Hispanic Mass audience will be provided translations on Jumbotrons, he added.

Wuerl explained that saying Mass in Spanish to 25,000 in attendance at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and the University Mall at The Catholic University of America is also appropriate because he will be canonizing a Spanish saint, Junipero Serra, a Spanish-born Franciscan Friar known for starting nine Spanish missions in California in the 1700s.

The pope also plans to meet with President Obama during his first U.S. visit. He will also travel to New York City and Philadelphia.

While briefing reporters at a breakfast hosted by the Christian Science Monitor, Wuerl also said that the church and pope want nations to be welcoming to immigrants, especially those fleeing terror like those now in Hungary and other European nations.

He may also urge the West to speak more forcefully against terrorism causing the mass migration. “Silence is a factor in atrocities,” said Wuerl.

Paul Bedard, the Washington Examiner’s “Washington Secrets” columnist, can be contacted at [email protected].