After months of planning, they finally made it. This group of Catholic Portuguese Scouts came from Lisbon on a week-long pilgrimage through Rome. They were still excited after the general audience came to a conclusion.
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Catholic Portuguese Scouts
'We were just at the fence when he drove by. And we were happy because they mentioned the Portuguese Scouts, that's our group. They were really excited.â?
Just moments after watching the Pope bless a baby and greet other pilgrims, they said they felt close to him because of his down to Earth personality.
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Catholic Portuguese Scouts
'They felt a real connection with him. Because he's really a relaxed and an easy going guy. And he's really a simple person that actually talks with his heart. And I think that moves the kids as well. They feel kind of a connection with this Pope.â?
The Pope's emphasis on mercy has also brought inspiration to Portugal, a country that is struggling with increasing divorce rates.
While the Church is struggling with broken marriages, there are still positive signs. The Scout leader said that more people are joining the organization, while others are coming back to the Church.
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Catholic Portuguese Scouts
'Our group, three years ago, we were 25. Now we are in the range of the hundreds. So it's becoming healthy. It was a big decline in the late 90's, but now it's coming up again. So the Church has been becoming fuller and fuller every year.â?
They spent the rest of their week visiting basilicas and other religious sites throughout Rome. But judging by their excitement, it's likely that seeing Pope Francis will be the highlight of their journey.
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