South Jersey Native May Interpret for Pope During Philadelphia Visit

A South Jersey native may be delivering the Pope’s message to the hearing impaired.

Victor Collazo, a Camden native and current Tuscon, Arizona, resident, has reportedly been tapped as the Sign Language Interpreter for the Pope’s Independence Mall Address on Sept. 26 in Philadelphia, according to the Courier Post.

A spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia told the newspaper that roles for the Pope’s visit have not yet been finalized. The list of support services is expected to be released in the next few days.

The Pope’s first language is Spanish, and Collazo is fluent in Spanish, according to the report.

Collazo attended Holy Name School in Camden, and Camden Catholic High School. He graduated from Rutgers-University Camden in 1995, and earned an associate’s degree from Camden County College’s Interpreter’s Program in 2005, according to the report.

Pope Francis is visiting America for the first time next month when he attends the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia. About 2 million people are expected to descend upon the city for the Pope’s visit, and NJ Transit will offer limited special service on its Atlantic City Rail Line and River Line for people visiting the city for the historic event.

Additionally, the Ben Franklin Bridge will be closed to vehicle traffic from 10 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 25, to noon on Monday, Sept. 28.

Road closures are also planned, but Route 95 will be open.

Pope Francis will be arriving in Philadelphia on Saturday, Sept. 26.

His tentative itinerary includes:

Saturday, Sept. 26

• 8:40 a.m. Departure from John F. Kennedy International Airport
• 9:30 a.m. Arrival at Atlantic Aviation, Philadelphia
• 10:30 a.m. Mass at Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul, Philadelphia
• 4:45 p.m. Visit to Independence Mall
• 7:30 p.m. Visit to the Festival of Families Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Sunday, Sept. 27

• 9:15 a.m. Meeting with bishops at at St. Martin’s Chapel, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary
• 11:00 a.m. Visit to Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility
• 4:00 p.m. Mass for the conclusion of the World Meeting of Families, Benjamin Franklin Parkway
• 7:00 p.m. Visit with organizers, volunteers and benefactors of the World Meeting of Families, Atlantic Aviation
• 8:00 p.m. Departure for Rome