At only 19 years old, Wyatt Olivas is the youngest member of the Synod. After a month of intense work in Rome, he asked Pope Francis to sign a letter for his university to allow him to rest for a few days before returning to class.
It was Wyatt himself who wrote the letter that he later handed to the Pope, who agreed to sign it with a smile on his face.
In the letter, the college student writes: "As a result of his tireless efforts, we believe that Wyatt deserves a break from classes to recharge and rejuvenate.”
The University of Wyoming student still remembers the day he met Pope Francis; a moment he will not forget.
WYATT OLIVAS
Student
Oh my goodness, I thought I was going to pass out. But going up to him, in line, my heart is like pounding. My heart's pounding and I'm like…I don't know. I don't know what's going to happen. But as soon as we locked eyes, this calmness just came over me and I was just like, oh my goodness. He's so human. I think we forget about that. He's just another human, important human, but yes.
For Wyatt, his participation in the Synod has been a rewarding yet challenging experience. Like many 19-year-olds, Wyatt will have to resume his college classes, and who knows if he will have to "ask permission" again from the Pope at the next synodal assembly.
CA
TR: AT
