Pope foster a missionary saint controversial

Pope led the celebration of Mass in Washington was in his mother tongue, Spanish (AP)

Pope Francis raised a 18th century missionary Junipero Serra controversial, as a saint, who has been criticized by some Native Americans.



Serra who lived in what is now California, is the first person in the United States who was appointed as saints.

Latin worshipers greeted the dedication of this and regard it as recognition of the history of the church in the Hispanic America.

However most of the Native Americans criticized it because it considers Junipero Serra, during his lifetime, has destroyed native cultures, and make genuine people as slaves.

Pope also a Latin American - born in Argentina, defended Serra. According to him, Serra works to protect indigenous people.

Picture displayed on the Junipero Serra Mission San Diego de Alcala, San Diego, California

In his first official visit to the United States, the Pope said, Serra "is the embodiment of a church moving forward," he said.

"Now, as he is, may we be able to say: 'forward, let's move on to the next.' ''

The Pope, speaking in Spanish, announces the coronation of Serra as saints, while leading a Mass in Washington attended by about 25,000 people.

The Pope took a shortcut in this canonization, meaning not required proof of two miracles - which is usually a prerequisite for a person appointed as saints.

Earlier, the Pope called for concrete steps to tackle climate change. He mentioned that we are in "critical moment in history."

This is the first official visit of Pope Francis to the United States

Speaking at the White House, he said that "this issue can not be left to future generations."

President Barack Obama said that the Pope reminds people that "we are carrying out the sacred duty to protect our planet."

On the other hand, a prominent Republican said that the Pope's statement on climate change, "there needs to be ignored."

Earlier, the Pope's visit to Cuba, met among others leaders of the Cuban revolution, Fidel Castro. (bbc)