Connecticut Catholics excited for Pope’s U.S. visit

Pope Francis arrived in Cuba on Saturday. He’s scheduled to arrive in the United States on Tuesday. Catholics in Connecticut are looking forward to his arrival. Donna Taylor, who lives in Shelton, is one of them. She is from Philadelphia and she’ll be heading back there to see the pontiff.

“We’re going to actually get to be in the crowds and that’s not very pleasant,” she said. “But it’s pleasant to see him.”

She’s not the only one planning a trip to see the pope. Father James Manship, the pastor of St. Rose of Lima Church in New Haven, will also be going. He’s looking forward to it.

“There’s a freshness about the pope. He’s authentic,” he said. “He is who he is. He’s not going to allow himself to be put into a box or anything like that.”

The pope is expected to proclaim the first saint on U.S. soil. He’ll also be the first pope to address the United States Congress. He plans to make clear that Hispanics are the foundation of the American church. He will conduct some masses in Spanish.

“I think the pope’s got a clear message for us and I think it’s going to call us to our best values as Americans,” said Manship.

Churchgoers are hoping the pope’s visit will bring people together and help them see what the Catholic Church is all about. For those who will be travelling to see the pope it’ll be a once in a lifetime experience.

“To me it’s big, really big, because I believe in Jesus,” said Jose Ostorba, who will be going to see the pope in Philadelphia. “He is the man that represents Jesus.”

The pope is scheduled to stay in the United States until Sunday night.