The name Pope Francis has recently been bouncing around my home a lot more than one would expect, especially since my family attends mass almost strictly on Easter and Christmas Eve. My mom adores him and can be quoted saying “He’s the best pope we've ever had” at least once a week. This is due to his many contributions to the church and humanity. His understanding of modern culture and his dedication to keeping the Catholic church relevant has made him a superstar Pope. Creating a twitter account was a genius move by Pope Francis since social media plays such a huge role in modern life. His more accepting stances of women, the environment and the LGBT communities are helping open the church back up to people who disagreed with the old ideals of the Catholic Church. He’s a trailblazing Pope who understands the modern world like no one before him.
Being so popular, Pope Francis’ United States trip is one of the most anticipated events of the year. His week-long visit to the United States is scheduled to the max. He’s visiting three cities, attending one welcome ceremony, riding in three Popemobile parades, leading two prayer services, giving five masses and two speeches, attending two meetings, and giving one United Nations address.
With all this being said, you can imagine my astonishment when I was walking to class in Leo and happened to look up and see Pope Francis standing above me on the upstairs patio of Kelly Commons. It was not only the first time I’ve ever seen anyone up there, but the first time I’ve seen Pope Francis in person.
It was a surreal moment looking up at the man who means so much to my mom and has done so much for the environment, LGBT community, women, and the Catholic Church in general. He’s the leader of the Catholic Church, for God’s sake! I was overcome with emotion but had to cut the moment short because it was 11:56 and my class started at noon.
The thing that was even more shocking than the pope being on campus was everyone’s reactions, or lack thereof. I mean he had such a busy schedule and still trekked up to the Bronx to visit our school. Why did no one take the inconvenience of the 1 train being down into consideration? A few people in class including the professor did react to the Pope being on campus. They were talking about him and laughing about seeing him standing on the balcony of Kelly Commons, I guess he brings joy with him wherever he goes.
The Manhattan College student body’s unexpected reaction to Pope Francis being on campus says a lot about us. We are serious students and don't let global celebrities like the pope keep us from our studies. I think Pope Francis respected this about us and thats why he didn't hold a mass or give a speech. He knew we were too dedicated to our studies. Also, the student body not making such a big deal about Pope Francis being on campus made him feel like less of an outsider. He was able to feel comfortable around us and let loose; he even got in a quick basketball game in Draddy.
I met him briefly on the quad- he was quiet and statuesque, so much more down to earth than you would think. He didn't talk a lot but he was a great listener. He never stopped smiling which made him seem really friendly.
I have so much admiration for Pope Francis for coming to Manhattan College. It was such a great time to be on campus, I’ll never forget it!