Immigration advocate nun makes journey to Pope Francis’ funeral

A decade after Pope Francis praised her work during a 2015 ABC News event, Sister Norma Pimentel, a Texas nun known for her advocacy for immigrants, is preparing for an unexpected journey to Rome to attend the pontiff’s funeral. As the executive director of Catholic Charities in the Rio Grande Valley, Sister Norma has been a prominent figure in immigrant advocacy in South Texas for more than ten years.

In a recent interview with ABC News, Sister Norma reflected on her experience working with migrant families in 2014, particularly those arriving in poor conditions from El Salvador. She highlighted the community’s response at Sacred Heart Parish Hall and discussed the impact of Pope Francis’ support during that time. The pope’s personal connection to the struggles of migrants and his call for empathy in dealing with refugees have always resonated with Sister Norma.

Following the influx of migrant families in 2014, Pope Francis recognized Sister Norma’s efforts and commended her work during a virtual audience in 2015. The pope’s words of gratitude and encouragement inspired Sister Norma to continue her advocacy for migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border. Their relationship grew, and she was invited to visit the Vatican multiple times to discuss her work.

Sister Norma emphasized the pope’s own immigrant background as the son of Italian citizens who moved to Argentina, which she believes has strengthened his connection to immigrants. Pope Francis’ visit to Lampedusa, Italy, in 2013, where he met with migrants and condemned the “globalization of indifference,” further solidified his commitment to recognizing the humanity of those seeking refuge.

As news of Pope Francis’ passing spread, Sister Norma expressed her sadness and grief. However, she was unexpectedly given the opportunity to attend his funeral in Rome. A stranger called her office offering to sponsor her journey, and a journalist who had traveled with the pope extended an invitation for her to stay during her visit.

With gratitude and a heavy heart, Sister Norma shared her intention to represent her community at the pope’s funeral. She expressed her desire to stand beside Pope Francis in his final moments, carrying with her the love and tears of everyone in the Rio Grande Valley. Through her presence at the funeral, Sister Norma hopes to honor the legacy of a leader who championed compassion and empathy for all.