Phoenix-Based Immigrants Rights Activist Join Audience for Pope Francis on White House Lawn

(Washington, DC)  —  Petra Falcon, executive director of the Phoenix-based immigrants rights group Promise Arizona, will be among the thousands invited by President Obama to greet Pope Francis at an “arrival ceremony” on the White House Lawn this morning.

Falcon received an invitation from the White House to attend today’s ceremony for Pope Francis.  She said she will also join a delegation of Promise Arizona volunteers and members, including local undocumented immigrants, that will be on hand for the Pope’s visit to Philadelphia on Saturday.

“Our hope is that if anyone can strike a chord with Congress and encourage action on immigration it would be Pope Francis,” said Falcon. “The barriers to really addressing the important issue of immigration reform have come in the Congress in the House of Representatives. It’s important that Pope Francis faces them and helps them understand the moral imperative involved and how they hold the solution to keeping immigrant families together.

“The Pope’s Catholic Social Teaching recognizes the tragic circumstances surrounding why immigrants flee poverty by making clear his belief that people have a right to cross a border if it’s necessary to protect their lives and provide for their families,” Falcon added. “It can’t be a crime and it can’t be a sin that someone has to come to this country to protect and support their families.”

Falcon said she planned to arrive at the White House by 2 a.m. today in hopes of getting a good seat.  She was invited by the White House Office of Public Engagement. Promise Arizona is a member of the Fair Immigration Reform Movement. Her trip was made possible by the Center for Community Change.

The White House Arrival Ceremony is scheduled to begin at 9:15 a.m. EST. Guests must have a ticket to attend. The event will be live-streamed at WH.gov/popevisit.