Controversial missionary to be first saint canonized on U.S.

Controversial missionary to be first saint canonized on U.S.

UNDATED (WKRC) -- Pope Francis' itinerary includes presiding over the canonization of 18th-century Spanish priest Junipero Serra. The controversial Catholic missionary has a museum devoted to him in San Diego. Serra was a Spanish friar known for establishing Catholic missions in California. Besides the one in San Diego, Serra founded eight other missions up the California coast. Those missions were primarily constructed to bring the Catholic Christian faith to the native people. But Native Americans have criticized Serra's treatment of their ancestors. Father Serra will be the first saint canonized on U.S. soil. Follow us on Twitter @Local12 and LIKE us on Facebook for updates!

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