'I'm scared they'll take my family': Five-year-old daughter of illegal immigrants is blessed by Pope Francis after breaking through security barricades hours before he says mass in Spanish

  • Sophie Cruz was part of a crowd of thousands lining the papal route in Washington to catch a glimpse of the pontiff
  • As he passed she got over police barricades and ran out into the street in an attempt to approach the popemobile
  • The 5-year-old was stopped by U.S. Secret Service but was then gestured over by Pope Francis who blessed her
  • She gave the popular pontiff a letter pleading for him to help her illegal immigrant parents stay in the United States
  • Sophie also handed him a yellow t-shirt that read: 'Pope: rescue DAPA, so the legalization would be your blessing'

A five-year-old girl got past Pope Francis' ironclad security operation on Wednesday when she breached the barriers to deliver him a personal letter during the papal parade in Washington D.C.

Little Sophie Cruz, who is the daughter of illegal immigrants, managed to make her way through the crowd of thousands lining Constitution Avenue and got within feet of Pope Francis' open-air popemobile before Secret Service agents stopped her.

However, the determined youngster who was wearing a bright yellow T-shirt, caught the eye of the pope who beckoned his guards to allow her to approach and he gave her a kiss on the cheek and a blessing.

She then handed over a letter pleading for his intervention in her family's battle to stay in the United States.

The note called upon the 78-year-old pontiff to help her mother and father, as well as the millions of others who are in the U.S. illegally, to remain in the country.

It stated: 'I believe I have the right to live with my parents, I have the right to be happy. 'All immigrants just like my dad help feed this country. They deserve to live with dignity. They deserve to live with respect. They deserve an immigration reform.' 

She also handed the leader of the Catholic church a bright yellow t-shirt that read: 'Pope: rescue DAPA, so the legalization would be your blessing.'

Pope Francis is renowned for being sympathetic to the plight of migrants and introduced himself to Americans on the podium as 'the son of an immigrant family.' He is expected to lecture Congress of the subject of immigration on Thursday. 

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This is the moment the young daughter of illegal immigrants got past past security barricades during the papal parade along Washington's Constitution Avenue to deliver Pope Francis a pro-amnesty message

This is the moment the young daughter of illegal immigrants got past past security barricades during the papal parade along Washington's Constitution Avenue to deliver Pope Francis a pro-amnesty message

The five-year-old girl handed the pope a letter pleading for her family to be able to stay in the United States and a yellow t-shirt with an pro-immigration message

The five-year-old girl handed the pope a letter pleading for her family to be able to stay in the United States and a yellow t-shirt with an pro-immigration message

The youngster had broken through the security barrier and was being escorted back to her family before Pope Francis called for the child to be brought to him during the parade in Washington DC

The youngster had broken through the security barrier and was being escorted back to her family before Pope Francis called for the child to be brought to him during the parade in Washington DC

As Pope Francis passed the throngs who had gathered before dawn to watch his journey from the White House, waving from his outfitted popemobile Jeep, the five-year-old had managed to get over the metal barricades and attempted to approach

As Pope Francis passed the throngs who had gathered before dawn to watch his journey from the White House, waving from his outfitted popemobile Jeep, the five-year-old had managed to get over the metal barricades and attempted to approach

As Pope Francis passed the throngs who had gathered before dawn to watch his journey from the White House, waving from his outfitted popemobile Jeep, the five-year-old had managed to get over the metal barricades and attempted to approach
As Pope Francis passed the throngs who had gathered before dawn to watch his journey from the White House, waving from his outfitted popemobile Jeep, the five-year-old had managed to get over the metal barricades and attempted to approach

As Pope Francis passed the throngs who had gathered before dawn to watch his journey from the White House, waving from his outfitted popemobile Jeep, the five-year-old had managed to get over the metal barricades and attempted to approach

Pope Francis reaches to give a blessing to Sophie Cruz, 5, from suburban Los Angeles, who is lifted up to him by security staff

Pope Francis reaches to give a blessing to Sophie Cruz, 5, from suburban Los Angeles, who is lifted up to him by security staff

The smiling pontiff welcomes the courageous young girl who was rewarded for her bravery with a papal kiss and a blessing 

The smiling pontiff welcomes the courageous young girl who was rewarded for her bravery with a papal kiss and a blessing 

The delighted schoolgirl, from South Gate, California, who was wearing a traditional embroidered dress with her hair pulled into two braids, then returned to her family.

They later said they were over the moon that Sophie was not only able to deliver the message of amnesty, but had been honored with a papal blessing.

Security had stopped Sophie before she could approach the pope on her first attempt during a parade at the Ellipse outside the White House.

On her carefully orchestrated attempt, her father lifted her over the barricade, and she was able to hand him the letter which included a touching drawing of Francis holding hands with children of differing ethnicity. Over the picture it read: 'My friends and I love each other no matter our skin color.'

The schoolgirl said she already has a second letter which she plans to give to President Barack Obama someday.

In an interview with NBC before the trip, Sophie said she wanted Pope Francis to ask Obama about legalizing all immigrants in the United States. 

'I'm scared that the ICE will take my family away,' she said, referring to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Her father Raul Cruz told the Washington Post that deportation was never far away from their family's minds.

'She lives it every day,' he said in Spanish. 'She sees family get separated, and we always tell her the truth when she asks why.

'The fathers and mothers of U.S.-born children live in complete uncertainty,' he said.

SOPHIE'S TOUCHING LETTER TO THE POPE ASKING FOR HIM TO CALL FOR IMMIGRATION REFORM 

'Pope Francis, I want to tell you that my heart is sad and I would like to ask you to speak with the president and the congress in legalizing my parents because every day I am scared that one day they will take them away from me.

'I believe I have the right to live with my parents. I have the right to be happy. My dad works very hard in a factory galvanizing pieces of metal.

'All immigrants just like my dad need this country. They deserve to live with dignity. They deserve to live with respect.

'They deserve an immigration reform, because it benefits my country and because they have been working hard harvesting oranges watermelons, carrots, onions, spinach and other vegetables.' 

The plucky youngster had been desperate to deliver her letter to the pope, which had also included a drawing which featured Francis holding hands with children of differing ethnicity which said: 'My friends and I love each other no matter our skin color'

The plucky youngster had been desperate to deliver her letter to the pope, which had also included a drawing which featured Francis holding hands with children of differing ethnicity which said: 'My friends and I love each other no matter our skin color'

Sophie Cruz, pictured with her father Raul Cruz, was part of a crowd of tens of thousands who had lined the streets along the route in Constitution Avenue to catch a glimpse of the pontiff as he rode by in his popemobile

Sophie Cruz, pictured with her father Raul Cruz, was part of a crowd of tens of thousands who had lined the streets along the route in Constitution Avenue to catch a glimpse of the pontiff as he rode by in his popemobile

Raul, 36, like his wife, came to the U.S. from Mexico's southern state of Oaxaca about 10 years ago. While Sophie and her sister were born in the United States and are therefore American citizens. 

Sophie's call for the pope to rescue DAPA (Deferred Action for Parents of Americans) comes as the program which would extend deportation protection to the parents of U.S. citizens and permanent residents was put on hold.

U.S Immigration had to halt the program after 26 states, including Texas, sued to block it. 

'It was a miracle that the pope saw our girl and selected her to bless her,' he father said, adding that he believed Pope Francis had been 'sent form God.' 

The stunt has been organized by immigration advocacy group Hermandad Mexicana Transnacional, in Los Angeles.

Alicia Flores, executive director of La Hermandad, chose Sophie to approach the pope after a young girl was able to approach the pope in Rome in a similar incident, reported the Washington Post.

She and her family were flown out to Washington as part of a group of six children and 19 adults, with the hope of delivering their message on immigration.

Gloria Saucedo, of the group said: 'This has filled us with enthusiasm.'

Despite the nerve-wracking challenge, Sophie said that God had given her the courage to approach the pope. 

Congresswoman Julia Brownley has now invited Sophie to watch the pope's address to Congress on Thursday - part of his whirlwind six-day tour across three states; Washington, D.C., New York and Philadelphia.

Pope Francis had arrived in the U.S. on Tuesday to be greeted by President Barack Obama and his family who invited the 78-year-old to the White House today.

The delighted schoolgirl, from South Gate California, who was wearing a traditional embroidered dress and her hair was pulled into two braids, was lifted up on her father's shoulders

The delighted schoolgirl, from South Gate California, who was wearing a traditional embroidered dress and her hair was pulled into two braids, was lifted up on her father's shoulders

Overwhelmed: Sophie then returned to her family who were over the moon that their daughter was not only able to deliver the message of amnesty, but had been honored with a papal blessing
Overwhelmed: Sophie then returned to her family who were over the moon that their daughter was not only able to deliver the message of amnesty, but had been honored with a papal blessing

Overwhelmed: Sophie then returned to her family who were over the moon that their daughter was not only able to deliver the message of amnesty, but had been honored with a papal blessing

She had managed to circumvent the highest security levels in US history to get to the Pope to give him a t-shirt and a letter

She had managed to circumvent the highest security levels in US history to get to the Pope to give him a t-shirt and a letter

Sophie, from South Gate, California, handed the leader of the Catholic church a bright yellow t-shirt that read: 'Pope: rescue DAPA, so the legalization would be your blessing' (which she is also pictured wearing)

Sophie, from South Gate, California, handed the leader of the Catholic church a bright yellow t-shirt that read: 'Pope: rescue DAPA, so the legalization would be your blessing' (which she is also pictured wearing)

Her father Raul Cruz , who like Sophie's mother, came to the U.S. from Mexico's southern state of Oaxaca about 10 years ago, said they were 'so happy, so excited.' Sophie and her sister were born in the United States and are therefore American citizens

Her father Raul Cruz , who like Sophie's mother, came to the U.S. from Mexico's southern state of Oaxaca about 10 years ago, said they were 'so happy, so excited.' Sophie and her sister were born in the United States and are therefore American citizens

Washington Metro Police Officer Hiram Rosario has a friend take his picture with Sophie Cruz, 5, from suburban Los Angeles, who crossed a police barricade to greet Pope Francis

Washington Metro Police Officer Hiram Rosario has a friend take his picture with Sophie Cruz, 5, from suburban Los Angeles, who crossed a police barricade to greet Pope Francis

Francis began his first full day in the U.S. by addressing 15,000 at the White House, before he had a private meeting with President Barack Obama and was paraded through the streets to give his first American mass. 

He also used his midday prayer services with about 300 American bishops to praise their work with immigrants, praising them for taking up their cause and urging them to welcome more foreigners across the border.

Francis, who hails from Argentina, praised the bishops for defending the rights of migrants, helping them to prosper and keeping their faith alive. He said in his remarks Wednesday: 'Now you are facing this stream of Latin immigration which affects many of your dioceses. Not only as the Bishop of Rome, but also as a pastor from the South, I feel the need to thank and encourage you. Perhaps it will not be easy for you to look into their soul; perhaps you will be challenged by their diversity.

'But know that they also possess resources meant to be shared. So do not be afraid to welcome them. Offer them the warmth of the love of Christ and you will unlock the mystery of their heart. I am certain that, as so often in the past, these people will enrich America and its Church,' the pope said.

U.S. bishops have been demanding a more welcoming policy toward immigrants in the country and hoping Francis' visit will counter a divisive issue in the presidential campaign.

Tens of thousands of families and unaccompanied minors from Central America have surged across the border as violence has flared in the region. Many have been held in detention centers that the U.S. bishops and immigrant-rights advocates have decried as inhumane and ineffective.

Pope Francis arrives in the popemobile  for the Canonization Mass of Blessed Junipero Serra, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2015, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington

Pope Francis arrives in the popemobile for the Canonization Mass of Blessed Junipero Serra, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2015, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington

After Pope Francis' private meeting with the president, he went outside in his pope-mobile to greet the tens of thousands of adoring fans who had been waiting since before dawn to catch a glimpse of the pontiff

After Pope Francis' private meeting with the president, he went outside in his pope-mobile to greet the tens of thousands of adoring fans who had been waiting since before dawn to catch a glimpse of the pontiff

Pope Francis smiles and waves to the tens of thousands gathered at Catholic University for his first mass on U.S. soil on Wednesday 

Pope Francis waves from the popemobile as he arrives for the Canonization Mass of Blessed Junipero Serra, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2015, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington

Pope Francis waves from the popemobile as he arrives for the Canonization Mass of Blessed Junipero Serra, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2015, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington

His Holiness Pope Francis arrives at Catholic University in Washington, DC, on September 23, 2015, for a Canonization Mass for Rev. JunÌpero Serra at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

His Holiness Pope Francis arrives at Catholic University in Washington, DC, on September 23, 2015, for a Canonization Mass for Rev. JunÌpero Serra at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

Pope Francis arrives at Catholic University in Washington, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2015, to hold a Canonization Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

Pope Francis arrives at Catholic University in Washington, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2015, to hold a Canonization Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

He also spoke candidly on the church's sex abuse scandal. While his comments were sympathetic of church leaders, who have faced a mountain of bad press since the molestation scandal became a national issue in the early 2000s, Francis also appeared to be preaching that more can be done for the victims.

Pope Francis was then greeted the tens of thousands gathered at Catholic University in Washington, DC on Wednesday for his first mass in America in which he canonized a new saint Junipero Serra - the first time that such a ceremony has taken place on U.S. soil.

The mass comes just hours after the pontiff addressed hundreds of American bishops about the Catholic church's sex abuse scandal, which some thought was too forgiving of an organization that has routinely covered up molestation cases. 

President Barack Obama praised Pope Francis on Wednesday for steering the world's Catholics on questions of war, poverty and environmental protection, and pointedly thanked him for interjecting himself into domestic American debates, including the United States' groundbreaking relationship with Cuba.

'You remind us of the costs of war, particularly on the powerless and defenseless, and urge us toward the imperative of peace,' Obama told the pontiff on his first visit to the United States.

The president lavished praise on Francis for setting out a social agenda that syncs neatly with his own policy on accepting Syrian refugees and relaxing America's immigration policy for millions of people in the country illegally.

'You remind us that 'the Lord's most powerful message' is mercy,' Obama said. 'That means welcoming the stranger with empathy and a truly open heart – from the refugee who flees war torn lands, to the immigrant who leaves home in search of a better life.' 

Pope Francis greets well-wishers as he returns to the Apostolic Nunciature to the United States in Washington, DC

Pope Francis greets well-wishers as he returns to the Apostolic Nunciature to the United States in Washington, DC

Pope Francis walked along the crowds of thousands as he leaves the Apostolic Nunciature to go to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Pope Francis greets well-wishers as he leaves the Apostolic Nunciature to the United States to go to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on September 23, 2015 in Washington

Pope Francis walked along the crowds of thousands as he leaves the Apostolic Nunciature to go to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

Pope Francis greets well-wishers as he leaves the Apostolic Nunciature to the United States to go to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

Pope Francis greets well-wishers as he leaves the Apostolic Nunciature to the United States to go to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

A man kisses Pope Francis while he greets well-wishers outside the Apostolic Nunciature, the Vatican's diplomatic mission, prior to his departure to the White House where President Barack Obama will host a state arrival ceremony

A man kisses Pope Francis while he greets well-wishers outside the Apostolic Nunciature, the Vatican's diplomatic mission, prior to his departure to the White House where President Barack Obama will host a state arrival ceremony

Pope Francis greets well-wishers outside the Apostolic Nunciature to the United States on September 23, 2015 in Washington

Pope Francis greets well-wishers outside the Apostolic Nunciature to the United States on September 23, 2015 in Washington

Pope Francis greets well-wishers outside the Apostolic Nunciature to the United States 

Pope Francis greets well-wishers outside the Apostolic Nunciature to the United States 

Pope Francis greets well-wishers as he departs the Apostolic Nunciature, the Vatican's diplomatic mission in Washington, Pope Francis will visit the White House where President Barack Obama will host a state arrival ceremony 

Pope Francis greets well-wishers as he departs the Apostolic Nunciature, the Vatican's diplomatic mission in Washington, Pope Francis will visit the White House where President Barack Obama will host a state arrival ceremony 

Pope Francis greets well-wishers as he returns to the Apostolic Nunciature to the United States on September 23 

Pope Francis greets well-wishers as he returns to the Apostolic Nunciature to the United States on September 23 

Pope Francis greets well-wishers outside the Apostolic Nunciature to the United States on September 23 

Pope Francis greets well-wishers outside the Apostolic Nunciature to the United States on September 23 

'Holy Father, we are grateful for your invaluable support of our new beginning with the Cuban people, which holds out the promise of better relations between our countries, greater cooperation across our hemisphere, and a better life for the Cuban people.'

Aside from gay marriage, contraception mandates and abortion, hot-button social issues where the Vatican splits sharply with the White House, much of Francis' own agenda is a carbon copy of what Obama brought to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in 2009.

In addition to a welcome address of his own at the White House, the Pope is expected Thursday to lecture Congress on climate change, immigration, income inequality and other issues that will make him an accidental proxy for the Oval Office.

Previewing his remarks today, Francis said, his 'hope, as a brother of this country, [is] to offer words of encouragement to those called to guide the nation's political future in fidelity to its founding principles.'

The Pope responded by thanking Obama for 'proposing an initiative for reducing air pollution, accepting the urgency.'

'It seems clear to me also that climate change is a problem which can no longer be left to a future generation,' he said.

'We still have the time to make the change needed,' he said, arguing in slow and careful English for 'the responsible care of our common home.'

The Argentine pontiff is known as the 'slum pope' for ministering to the downtrodden in his native Buenos Aires.

During a flight on Tuesday from Havana, Cuba to Washington, Francis insisted his conservative critics are wrong to condemn him as a communist just because he has publicly opposed supply-side economics.

'I am certain that I have never said anything beyond what is in the social doctrine of the church,' he said, adding that his writings have been misinterpreted to make him appear 'a little bit more left-leaning.'

The White House said Wednesday afternoon, after the festivities had ended that the goal of the Pope's visit and his meeting with Obama wsa 'not to advance anyone's political agenda.'

First lady Michlle Obama, Pope Francis and President Barack Obama pose for a picture on the White House portico after the pontiff spoke to a crowd on the White House South Lawn before 10am on Wednesday 

First lady Michlle Obama, Pope Francis and President Barack Obama pose for a picture on the White House portico after the pontiff spoke to a crowd on the White House South Lawn before 10am on Wednesday 

After his speech on the White House's South Lawn, the pope joined the president in the Oval Office for a private meeting

After his speech on the White House's South Lawn, the pope joined the president in the Oval Office for a private meeting

Priests wait for the start of a Mass celebrated by Pope Francis to canonize Junipero Serra, an 18th-century missionary who brought Catholicism to what is now the state of California, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 20145, in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, the first canonization on U.S. soil

Priests wait for the start of a Mass celebrated by Pope Francis to canonize Junipero Serra, an 18th-century missionary who brought Catholicism to what is now the state of California, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 20145, in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, the first canonization on U.S. soil

Pope Francis speaks during the canonization Mass for Junipero Serra at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on September 23, 2015 in Washington, DC

Pope Francis speaks during the canonization Mass for Junipero Serra at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on September 23, 2015 in Washington, DC

Pope Francis is seen above at Catholic University's  Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC on Wednesday for a canonization mass

Pope Francis arrives at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC September 23, 2015, for the Canonization of  Rev. JunÌpero Serra

Pope Francis arrives at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC September 23, 2015, for the Canonization of Rev. JunÌpero Serra

POPE IN AMERICA: FRANCIS'S ITINERARY ON HIS FIRST TRIP TO THE UNITED STATES

Pope Francis, who has never been to the United States before, will arrive from Cuba at Andrews Air Force Base, near Washington D.C. on Tuesday, September 22.

WEDNESDAY: WASHINGTON D.C. 

9.15am: Welcome ceremony and meeting with President Obama at the White House

11am: Papal Parade along the Ellipse and the National Mall (time approximate)

11.30am: Midday Prayer with the bishops of the United States, St. Matthew's Cathedral

4.15pm: Mass of Canonization of Junipero Serra, Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

THURSDAY: WASHINGTON D.C. AND NEW YORK 

9.20am: Address to Joint Meeting of the United States Congress

11.15am: Visit to St. Patrick in the City and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington

4pm: Depart from Joint Base Andrews

5pm: Arrival at John F. Kennedy International Airport

6.45pm: Evening Prayer (Vespers) at St. Patrick's Cathedral

FRIDAY: NEW YORK 

8.30am: Visit to the United Nations and address to the United Nations General Assembly

11.30am: Multi-religious service at 9/11 Memorial and Museum, World Trade Center

4pm: Visit to Our Lady Queen of Angels School, East Harlem

5pm: Procession through Central Park (time approximate)

6pm: Mass at Madison Square Garden

A worker walks through rows of chairs being set up in preparation of the Pope Francis visit at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington

A worker walks through rows of chairs being set up in preparation of the Pope Francis visit at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington

SATURDAY: NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA

8.40am: Departure from John F. Kennedy International Airport

9.30am: Arrival at Atlantic Aviation, Philadelphia

10.30am: Mass at Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul, Philadelphia

4.45pm: Visit to Independence Mall

7.30pm: Visit to the Festival of Families Benjamin Franklin Parkway

SUNDAY: PHILADELPHIA

9.15am: Meeting with bishops at St. Martin's Chapel, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary

11am: Visit to Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility

4pm: Mass for the conclusion of the World Meeting of Families, Benjamin Franklin Parkway

7pm: Visit with organizers, volunteers and benefactors of the World Meeting of Families, Atlantic Aviation

8pm: Departure for Rom

 

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