4 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FRANCIS’ FIRST TRIP TO MEXICO

Pope Francis’ first tour through Mexico starts Friday and ends Wednesday in Juárez, Chihuahua.

1. Six cities, six days

He will participate in at least 19 official events — including five Masses and a meeting with Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto — in Mexico City and in the states of Mexico, Chiapas, Michoacán and Chihuahua. Pope Benedict XVI visited Mexico in 2012, and Pope John Paul II visited five times.

2. First pope at the border

The Argentinian pope, who makes his first visit to Mexico as pontiff, will be the first to celebrate Mass on the U.S.-Mexico border.

3. A meeting with inmates

As soon as arrives in Juárez, he’ll visit state prison Cereso No. 3 to speak to prisoners, along with about 250 relatives and 100 religious workers.

4. Austinites at the border

Bishop Joe Vásquez and Auxiliary Bishop Daniel E. García will attend the Mass in Juárez. Gerardo Ramos, director of music ministries at St. William Catholic Church in Round Rock, will sing with the Papal Mass Choir. The best chance to see Francis will be along the route the popemobile will take through the city.