The Latest: Mass at Arizona-Mexico border gets underway

NOGALES, Ariz. – The Latest on a mass at the Arizona-Mexico border for immigrants (all times local):

3:22 p.m.

The final of three cross-border masses in Arizona this year is underway.

A representative of Pope Francis in the U.S. began the Sunday afternoon ceremony, which is encompassing an altar on each side of the border.

Archbishop Christophe Pierre is known as the Apostolic Nuncio.

Steff Koeneman, spokeswoman for the Diocese of Tucson, says at least 250 showed up on the Arizona side.

Dioceses Without Borders is holding the mass along the international border in Nogales, Arizona, and Nogales, Mexico, in an effort to bring attention to the plight of migrants and refugees.

Diocese of Tucson Bishop Gerald Kicanas says the mass will focus on immigration, a major issue for the church. Pope Francis has been outspoken in favour of immigration reform and humane treatment of migrants.

12:18 p.m.

Catholic leaders will hold the final of three border masses in Arizona this year, and this time the representative of Pope Francis in the U.S. will lead the ceremony.

Dioceses Without Borders will hold a mass along the international border in Nogales, Arizona, and Nogales, Mexico, on Sunday in an effort to bring attention to the plight of migrants and refugees. It will feature an altar on each side of the international border.

The principal celebrant at the mass will be Archbishop Christophe Pierre, known as the Apostolic Nuncio, or Pope Francis’ representative in the United States.

Diocese of Tucson Bishop Gerald Kicanas says the mass will focus on immigration, a major issue for the church. Pope Francis has been outspoken in favour of immigration reform and humane treatment of migrants.