On Wednesday, June 1st 2016, I was lucky enough to breathe in the same air as one of the most influential people in the world, Pope Francis. While on the Joseph S. Bruno study abroad program, we get to experience many amazing things every day, but being able to attend the Papal Audience was one of the most surreal events so far. As we entered the Vatican early that morning there were tons of tourists gathered to see the Pope, with the hopes of maybe getting a picture of him riding by in the popemobile! As soon as they opened the gates to sit down, we sprinted to the front row and luckily got seats right by the white fence. This was perfect because it meant we could get a close up shot of the man himself. As we waited for him to come out, I was in awe about how many different people were around me and how far they had all traveled for this event. The sweet lady sitting beside me even gave me a prayer card on protection and healing which was so thoughtful. Finally, after about an hour of waiting in the hot morning sun, the popemobile took off around the center square of the Vatican and Pope Francis was waving and kissing as many babies as he could as he drove past all of his admirers. As he inched towards our section of seats, people were pushing every direction just to get a quick look at the adorable man. Finally, he was right in front of me so I pulled out my phone and at the perfect second I got a selfie with him! I was honestly so excited and felt like I got a picture with the most famous person in the world!
After his renowned car ride was over, he led the audience in prayer that was then translated into what seemed like over 20 different languages. The Papal Audience was something I never thought I would attend, but I’m very thankful I was given the opportunity because it made me aware of the heavy impact the Catholic Church has throughout the world.

This is a selfie of Pope Francis and me as he is driving by in the popemobile.