Knowing that you’re meeting the Pope face-to-face can be a little nerve-racking. OK who am I kidding? It’s very stressful. So many questions crossed my mind. What do I say? Or, perhaps more importantly, what shouldn’t I say or do?
I emailed, texted and called several priests before boarding the papal plane, asking for guidance. I was looking for do’s and don’t’s. I was even perhaps looking for a bit of divine intervention. After doing extensive research on Francis, including reading several books in Spanish and English and reading countless articles, I still worried about protocol. (We all know Pope Francis is not one to enforce protocol; but again I was a little worried about messing up my one chance to meet Francis.)
On top of that and in full disclosure, I’m Catholic and meeting the Pope, who is the closest being to God walking the Earth, is a little emotional as well. Okay, it’s very emotional. Plus I also wanted to save myself from an embarrassing moment or perhaps worse, a full-blown screw up in front of the world’s most influential religious leader while covering the news for CNN.
I prayed about what I should say to Pope Francis. After much thought and prayer, it came to me. I’ll get him a small gift, a prayer card of Our Lady of Guadalupe. I’m a devout believer and through my research I learned Pope Francis is also devout to the blessed mother. I thought, “Perfect!”
The advice from several priests included: Tell him your name. So many people forget to introduce themselves. Be yourself. Speak to him in Spanish. And one of the priests closed his email saying: “Give him a hug for me and tell him that I am happy that you are on the flight!”
So the day came. I boarded the papal flight in Rome, Italy. Moments after take off, there he was — Pope Francis walking to the back of Alitalia Flight AZ 4000, where all the journalists are anxiously waiting. Every camera and cell phone in the cabin went up, pointing towards Francis, capturing his every move and his every word. After a brief greeting to everyone via microphone he started greeting each journalist individually.
I was sitting on the last seat on the right side of the plane, taking pictures of the Pope and waiting patiently, my heart beating a little faster than normal. And then, there he was. Pope Francis himself walking towards me and looking me in the eyes.
I remembered the guidance I received. I shook his hand and introduced myself by name, all in Spanish, of course. Then I said, “Father Rosica asked me to give you a big hug.” I never thought I’d have such an energetic response from Francis. Oh, he went off on Father Rosica. By the way, Father Rosica is the English-language attache to the Holy See Press Office.
“Father Rosica (inaudible) in my life,” said Pope Francis as he laughed. “Two days before the conclave he told me, ‘Are you calm? Are you calm?’ Who asks that question?” said Pope Francis as he laughed some more and gestured with his hand
Everyone around us smiled and giggled while Francis scolded Father Rosica.
“I have a humble gift for you Holy Father. For Mexicans, Our Lady of Guadalupe is so,” I said and then just about went speechless when I realized the Pope’s reaction.
He quickly grabbed the prayer card and kissed it with such joy. He smiled so tenderly and looked at both sides of the card. I couldn’t believe what was happening before me.
“Can you bless a few more for me, Holy Father? I have one for my mother and for my grandmother,” I said as I unfolded a leather pouch filled with Our Lady of Guadalupe cards and two rosaries.
He made the sign of the cross, put his hand over my prayer cards, closed his eyes and offered his blessing.
The second blessing of our meeting was for me. I closed my eyes in what appeared like a moment happening in slow motion. The Holy Father put his hand on my head and made a sign of the cross over my forehead.
I can’t quite describe the emotion — the moment I meet the Pope and receive his blessing 10,000 feet up, somewhere between Rome and Cuba.