PHILADELPHIA >> Thousands of pilgrims flooded Independence Hall to hear Pope Francis speak about immigration Saturday.
“The words of the past can help us work toward a better future,” Pope Francis said in front of an admiring crowd. “We have to not repeat the errors of the past.”
The pope, speaking in Spanish, implored the immigrants in the crowd to be proud of their heritage and to never be ashamed of their traditions.
Mexico native Heidy Sarabia, who resides in South Philadelphia, said she was encouraged when Pope Francis said that the rights of immigrants should increase and not decrease. She described his entire speech as “uplifting.”
“He also said that immigrants should not despair, and that times will get better,” she said. “I like when he said we should protect all religions and that globalization is good if it allows people to keep what makes them different.”
Margo Levin, of Reading, said that immigration laws in the United States needs to change. She said that most immigrants come here with good intentions and to work hard, stating that they will take the jobs that nobody wants.
“People are coming here and leaving all their families behind,” she said. “I am fortunate. I can visit my family once a year, but others never see their families again.”
Tona Berruecos, of Philadelphia, said she appreciates that Pope Francis seems to respect all people, especially immigrants.
“Immigrants can have good life like everyone else,” she said. “Pope Francis seems to understand and respect that.”
