Though I am only 12 years old, I have had the privilege to meet and talk with the late Pope Francis. During one of his papal audiences last November, I sat on the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica and looked out at the sheer number of people who sat cramped together for hours just to get a glimpse of the pope speaking.
It was amazing to see how he brought people of all different ages, backgrounds, countries and colors together in a loving, cheerful environment to listen to the ancient word of God and look with hope to a future based on the Gospel teachings. My favorite part of the audience was when he brought a group of French school children up to the altar. While translations of the pope’s message were being read aloud, the children were being squirmy and loud, and all the pope did was give them a thumbs up! (For the record, my mom and dad did not give me a thumbs up when I was restless before the audience began.)
I also really enjoyed hearing the Vatican band playing before the pope came out in his popemobile, and various audience members playing instruments to keep everyone entertained. It was loud and cool when the crowd yelled, “Papa Francesco” as he cruised around in his popemobile. If a papal audience is like attending a rock concert for Catholics, then meeting the pope was like getting a backstage pass. Although the music, Gospel message and crowd were amazing, nothing comes close to meeting the main attraction—the pope. Seeing him in person was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. When I shook his hand, I used the Italian I learned in school to thank him and asked that he pray for our family.
After we shook the pope’s hand and conversed with him, he gave my brother and me a few pieces of candy. I know adults tell children not to take candy from strangers. But I decided to amend the rule: Never take candy from strangers unless that “stranger” is the pope! I plan to always keep the candy as a memento of my encounter with Pope Francis.
I imagine that anyone who was at that papal audience was filled with hope and faith. I know I was. Sitting in the audience confirmed to me that the Holy Father embodied one of his more famous quotes: “We must restore hope to young people, help the old, and be open to the future. Spread love. Be poor among the poor. We need to include the excluded and preach peace.” Knowing that Pope Francis blessed me and spoke about the importance of prayer, I started to say the rosary on the nights before tests, a big event or when I need guidance.
Meeting Pope Francis made me realize how magnanimous he was because everyone wanted to engage with him—and he wanted to encounter everyone. World leaders should continue to look to his papacy and example for guidance, to be champions of acceptance and human rights like he was. In my opinion, he was “a saint among many.” My hope for the next pope is that he will be fair and kind and remember that Pope Francis taught us all that “a little bit of mercy makes the world less cold and more just.” I also hope the new pope will hand out candy at his weekly audiences!
