Pope Francis in America
Pope Francis leads his first mass in the U.S.
Pope Francis led his first mass in the United States Wednesday afternoon, arriving at Washington, D.C.'s Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception following a brief parade through the city. Thousands of Catholics stood on the grass of Catholic University awaiting the pope's arrival and the mass in which he canonized 18th century Franciscan theologian Junípero Serra.
Though Serra is credited with spreading Christianity in California, his canonization is considered contriversial for the treatment of Native Americans under his leadership. An estimated 25,000 people attended the mass.