Dallas, November 29, 2025
Father Paolo Capra, the pastor of St. Augustine Catholic Church in Dallas, received a blessing from Pope Leo XIV for the parish’s new church building project during a visit to Istanbul. The new church aims to accommodate the growing congregation in the Pleasant Grove neighborhood, with a fundraising goal of $17 million for its first phase. The current church cannot hold the existing 500 members, prompting the need for a larger, more beautiful sanctuary that can host up to 900 people.
Dallas Priest Receives Papal Blessing for New Church Project
Father Paolo Capra, pastor of St. Augustine Catholic Church in Dallas, Texas, received a blessing from Pope Leo XIV for the first brick of his parish’s future church during a recent visit to Istanbul, Turkey.
Father Capra traveled thousands of miles to present the brick to the Pope, symbolizing the beginning of a new church building project aimed at accommodating the growing congregation in Dallas’s Pleasant Grove neighborhood. The current church, located on St. Augustine Road, is too small to hold the 500 people in their congregation, most of whom are low-income immigrants from Mexico. The new church is designed to host up to 900 faithful, addressing the need for a larger, more beautiful sanctuary. The project has set a goal of $17 million for the first phase.
During the Pope’s visit to the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Istanbul, Father Capra held the brick, which bore the words “First stone,” the church’s name, and the year 2026. As Pope Leo XIV approached, Father Capra requested a blessing for the brick, and the Pope graciously waved a cross over it, offering his blessing. The congregation erupted in cheers, expressing their joy and gratitude for the Pope’s support of their endeavor.
This event highlights the global reach of the Catholic Church and the personal support from Pope Leo XIV for the growing Catholic community in the United States. The blessing serves as a symbol of unity and hope, resonating with both local and international attendees who shared in this moment of spiritual connection.
Background on St. Augustine Catholic Church
St. Augustine Catholic Church, located in Dallas’s Pleasant Grove neighborhood, serves a predominantly low-income immigrant community from Mexico. The current church building has been unable to accommodate the growing congregation, leading to the decision to build a new church that can host up to 900 faithful. The project aims to provide a larger, more beautiful sanctuary for the community, with an initial fundraising goal of $17 million for the first phase.
About Pope Leo XIV
Pope Leo XIV, born in the United States, is the first U.S. pope in the history of the Roman Catholic Church. His papacy has been marked by efforts to connect with Catholic communities worldwide, including those in the United States. His recent visit to Istanbul and the blessing of the brick for St. Augustine Catholic Church underscore his commitment to supporting the global Catholic community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the significance of the papal blessing for the new church project?
The papal blessing from Pope Leo XIV serves as a symbol of support and unity for the St. Augustine Catholic Church community in Dallas. It acknowledges the importance of their endeavor to build a new church that can accommodate their growing congregation and highlights the global reach of the Catholic Church.
Why is the current church building insufficient for the congregation?
The current church building, located on St. Augustine Road in Dallas’s Pleasant Grove neighborhood, is too small to hold the 500 people in their congregation. Most of the congregation consists of low-income immigrants from Mexico, and the existing facility cannot accommodate their needs, prompting the decision to build a new church.
What are the plans for the new church building?
The new church is designed to host up to 900 faithful, providing a larger and more beautiful sanctuary for the community. The project has set a goal of $17 million for the first phase, aiming to address the need for a more spacious and accommodating place of worship for the growing congregation.
Who is Pope Leo XIV?
Pope Leo XIV is the first U.S. pope in the history of the Roman Catholic Church. His papacy has been marked by efforts to connect with Catholic communities worldwide, including those in the United States. His recent visit to Istanbul and the blessing of the brick for St. Augustine Catholic Church underscore his commitment to supporting the global Catholic community.
Key Features of the New Church Project
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Dallas’ Pleasant Grove neighborhood |
| Current Congregation Size | Approximately 500 members |
| Target Congregation Size | Up to 900 members |
| Fundraising Goal for First Phase | $17 million |
| Symbolic Blessing | Papal blessing of the first brick by Pope Leo XIV in Istanbul |
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