To rousing applause from parishioners Saturday, the Rev. Jean-Phillippe Lokpo, of Togo, announced to his flock that he isn’t going anywhere because his visa to remain in the United States was approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services days before it was set to expire.
Lokpo, the head pastor of St. John XXIII Catholic church in Evanston, was close to being among religious workers in the United States who would have to return to their home countries after a 2023 decision by the Biden administration changed visa processing, including waiting times.
His visa was set to expire Tuesday.
Lokpo made the announcement at a special Feast Day Mass for St. John XXIII held at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, where he thanked parishioners for their prayers and support as he and the Archdiocese