LA residents make pilgrimage to see Pope Francis in Washington

LOS ANGELES, CAlif. (FOX 11) - Hearts full of hope, with a spirit of strength. Two dozen LA area immigrant rights advocates gathered for a final prayer service before going to see the Pope.

Five year old Sophie Cruz had a personal message for pope Francis. Her parents are undocumented but she hopes that changes.

She says, "I hope he talks about immigration reform and the need to legalize them. I hope he knows how hard we work to grow fruits watermelon grapes and oranges. My father works in a factory galvanizing metal, he works so much I hardly see him."

Many think the political climate is ripe for the pontiff to intervene when it comes to immigration reform. They say they hope this pope will be able to cut through to the hearts of Washington decision makers

Pastor Luis Estrada of La Placita Olvera Church says, "Immigration reform is so important to us so we hope he addresses that to congress and to our nations leaders."

The Pope is scheduled to meet with president Obama, and address a joint meeting of congress before going to New York to address the United Nations.

He ends his U.S. Trip in Philadelphia over the weekend.