Pope Francis has canonized Junipero Serra, making a saint of the Spanish missionary who built missions in California.
The canonization of the 18th-century missionary - the first to take place on U.S. Soil -- is a point of pride for Latinos. But to many Native Americans, Serra was no saint. They say he came to conquer and convert their communities.
The rite took place at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, where Francis is celebrating his first ever Mass in the United States. Ref. CNN
Junipero Serra & Catholics (Hover)
Junipero Serra canonization draws protests
Father Junipero Serra, the 18th century founder of California’s system of Catholic missions, was canonized by Pope Francis Wednesday — the first saint elevated on U.S. Soil. The ceremony, part of the ... Ref. Source 9r