Sister Norma Pimentel Travels to Rome for Pope Francis’ Funeral

In a poignant journey to honor legacy and faith, Sister Norma Pimentel, a prominent advocate for immigrants in South Texas, is heading to Rome for the funeral of Pope Francis. Pimentel, who has championed the causes of migrants for over ten years, was notably acknowledged by the Pope during an ABC News event in 2015.

Background of Advocacy

Sister Norma serves as the executive director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, taking a central role in providing assistance to immigrant families, particularly during a surge in migrant arrivals in 2014. Her initiatives at Sacred Heart Parish Hall have been vital in addressing the immediate needs of families fleeing violence and poverty, primarily from El Salvador.

Connection with the Pope

Pimentel’s influential work caught the attention of Pope Francis, who praised her dedication and efforts to support those in need during a virtual audience. “I want to thank you,” the Pope stated, emphasizing gratitude for the work conducted by sisters in the United States.

Since that acknowledgment, Pimentel has maintained a connection with the Vatican, where she has had the opportunity to meet the Holy Father several times. She expressed the deep impact of his advocacy for migrants, highlighting his own background as the son of Italian immigrants to Argentina, which has profoundly shaped his understanding and empathy toward migrant struggles.

Remembering Pope Francis

Reflecting on her relationship with Pope Francis, Pimentel recalled his visit to Lampedusa shortly after his election in 2013. There, he met migrants and condemned the “globalization of indifference,” urging the world to recognize their humanity beyond mere labels of refugee status.

As news of the Pope’s passing spread, Pimentel experienced a wave of sadness and found herself compelled to attend his funeral. Remarkably, within 12 hours of his death, she received an offer from a stranger to sponsor her travel to Rome, along with accommodations from a journalist who has traveled with the Pope.

A Message for the Community

“I’m going representing all of us,” Pimentel stated, conveying her intention to carry the sentiments of the Rio Grande Valley community to the funeral. “I bring all the love and the tears of everybody from the valley.”

Watching the Funeral

For those wishing to be part of the memorial activities, ABC News will provide live coverage of Pope Francis’ funeral on Saturday starting at 3:30 a.m. ET, available on ABC stations, ABC News Live, Disney+, and Hulu.