Dallas Priest Secures Pope Leo XIV’s Blessing for New Church

UPDATE: In a momentous encounter, Father Paolo Capra of St. Augustine Parish in Dallas received a blessing from Pope Leo XIV during the pontiff’s historic visit to Turkey on November 3, 2023. Capra’s heartfelt request involved a single brick, symbolizing the foundation of a new church for his working-class congregation, which currently struggles to accommodate its 500 members.

During a gathering outside an Istanbul cathedral, Capra, holding the brick inscribed with “First stone,” explained to CNN’s Vatican correspondent, Christopher Lamb, that this brick represents the future of his parish. “This stone would like to be the first stone of the new church that we want to build in the parish of St. Augustine in Dallas,” Capra said, emphasizing the urgent need for a larger place of worship.

The existing church, located on St. Augustine Road, is too small for its predominantly low-income and immigrant congregation, many of whom hail from Mexico. As Capra dreams of building a “more beautiful” sanctuary, the parish has set a staggering goal of $17 million for the initial phase of this ambitious project.

As Pope Leo XIV approached the crowd, excitement surged through the air. Capra, alongside fellow parishioners, extended their hands eagerly, chanting “¡Viva el Papa!” The moment turned emotional as the pope acknowledged the brick and waved a cross over it in a blessing, igniting cheers from the gathered crowd.

Renderings of the proposed church display a striking design featuring a bright, white sanctuary with a green roof and a prominent cross-topped tower. The church’s website details the vision for a welcoming space that reflects the community’s spirit and aspirations.

Capra’s plea for the blessing of the brick, which he hopes will lay the groundwork for the new church, marks a significant step in the journey toward fulfilling the parish’s dream. With construction projected to begin in 2026, this event not only symbolizes hope for the local community but also highlights the global connection fostered by faith.

As the parishioners celebrate this pivotal moment, attention now turns to the next steps in fundraising and planning for what they envision as a transformative space for worship and community support. The blessing from Pope Leo XIV serves as a powerful reminder of their mission and the solidarity of their faith.

This developing story is not just about bricks and mortar; it is a testament to the enduring strength of community and the importance of spiritual leadership in the face of challenges. Stay tuned for updates as Father Capra and the St. Augustine Parish work toward realizing their vision for a brighter future.