Pope Leo XIV Blesses Brick for New Dallas Church Amid Hope

UPDATE: In a significant moment for the Dallas community, Pope Leo XIV blessed a brick destined to be the cornerstone of a new church for St. Augustine Parish during a visit to Istanbul on Friday. This heartfelt gesture comes as Father Paolo Capra seeks to transform the worship experience for his parishioners, many of whom are low-income immigrants from Mexico.

Father Capra held the brick, inscribed with the words “First stone,” along with the church’s name and the year 2026. He expressed his hope that the papal blessing would mark the beginning of a brighter future for the parish, which currently struggles to accommodate its 500 members in a space that’s simply too small.

“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 told CNN’s Vatican correspondent Christopher Lamb. The church has set an ambitious goal of raising $17 million for the first phase of this crucial project.

The existing church, located on St. Augustine Road, has become inadequate for the growing congregation, prompting the need for a larger and more beautiful facility. Renderings reveal a stunning white sanctuary topped with a green roof, featuring a cross-capped tower and a glass entryway adorned with an anchor-and-cross emblem.

During the papal visit, which marks Pope Leo XIV’s first international trip as pontiff, the atmosphere was electric as Capra and his group awaited his arrival. As the Pope approached, they cheered, “¡Viva el Papa! ¡Viva el Papa!” Capra extended the blessed brick toward the pontiff, who acknowledged it and waved a cross over it, fulfilling the priest’s heartfelt request.

This moment not only symbolizes a spiritual blessing but also ignites hope within the community. The parish’s vision for a new church represents a commitment to serving its members better and providing a welcoming space for worship and community gatherings.

As the fundraising campaign kicks off, the parish is expected to engage the community and leverage support from local and international sources. The next steps include organizing events to boost fundraising efforts and keep the congregation informed on their goal to break ground on the new church by 2026.

Stay tuned for further developments on this inspiring project that promises to uplift the Pleasant Grove community.