The number of miles and hours traveled seem to become shorter when the goal is to see the pope. At least this group of pilgrims from India and the UAE thought this during their trip to Rome. Early Wednesday morning, these pilgrims were at the Paul VI Audience Hall for the General Audience. Their wait was worth it, because in the end they were personally greeted by Pope Francis.
ROSEMARY GEORGE
Pilgrim United Arab Emirates
'It was really fantastic. The pope is like a father and we felt that he just came and hugged us just like and we could just shake hands and you know, we felt that we have lived so much. We are so happy, we are filled with the Holy Spirit. We just came to see the pope and the pope was a really wonderful experience. All of us, we really loved it.â?
FR. DENIS Dâ??SA
Diocese of Udipi, India
'Some of us could touch him, shake hands with him. But he really has a lot of happiness and peace and this is what is required for the world now.â?
For some, it was not the first time they saw the pope, like Fr. Denis who is accompanying them on their pilgrimage. The priest has his own theory about why Pope Francis is able to attract so many people.
FR. DENIS Dâ??SA
Diocese of Udipi, India
'This is my fourth time but this pope, like St. Francis of Assisi, really has a lot of happiness, and a lot of peace around. We can see that energy coming out of him so thatâ??s why he attracts a number of people.â?
Among the group of 57 was a pilgrim who was not Catholic. After much preparation for the day, seeing the pope was so impressive that it left her speechless. So much so that she needed her friend to speak for her.
ROSEMARY AND SUSAN
Pilgrims Abu Dabi and Dubai
'She wants to go and say to everyone that the Catholic Church is the base and we should return back to Catholic Church. Thatâ??s what she was saying...â?
'Today I touched the Pope.â?
'She was preparing a lot for this audience.â?
They will travel for 17 days through major cities and countries of Europe. The next stops on their journey are Switzerland, Paris, Lourdes and Fatima. Their adventure continues; however, it will be hard to beat this unforgettable experience with Pope Francis.
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