'Privileged': Sarnia students react to taking part in Pope Francis's final Vatican mass
School trip included Easter Sunday mass — the pope's last public appearance
Olivia Moscone says at first, she was "shocked" when Pope Francis made an appearance at the Vatican back on Easter Sunday, in what turned out to be his last mass. He would die the next day.
The Sarnia, Ont., student goes to St. Patrick's Catholic High School and was on an overseas school trip.
Moscone couldn't believe she had the opportunity to see and be blessed by him along with the thousands in attendance.
"I was so incredibly grateful for the teachers for taking us to the Vatican and for having celebrated Easter mass there — just so privileged," she said.
"It was definitely an unforgettable experience."
Pope Francis, whose 12-year papacy ushered in a more open, welcoming Catholic Church, died at the age of 88. He hailed far from the power centre of the Vatican, born in Buenos Aires on Dec. 17, 1936, the eldest of five children of Italian immigrants.
His funeral was on Saturday after several years of poor health became a concern. His latest bout of bronchitis — diagnosed in February — worsened to become pneumonia. He ended up being admitted into hospital for five weeks.
Moscone says she was aware of his failing health so her group was unsure about the prospects of him being able to get out on the balcony and attend the ceremony.
"We were all kind of humming and hawing to see if he would step out. And when he did, it was definitely amazing.
Taryn Stoukas, who goes to the same southwestern Ontario school, was also on the trip.
She told CBC Radio's Windsor Morning host Amy Dodge as soon as he came out on the balcony, everyone started applauding.
"You could see on everyone's faces that everyone was stunned to speak because nobody really knew if he was going to come out or not," said Stoukas.
"Everyone was just relieved that they got the opportunity to see him."
Roy Gouveia is a teacher at the school and one of the organizers.
He says it was a thrill for everyone to witness and the energy in the crowd rose after it was confirmed he'd make an appearance.
"People were thrilled and very happy that he was able to give that blessing and make that appearance and celebrate in such a personal way," said Gouveia.
Pope Francis appeared to be "very frail" when he was brought out in a wheelchair, he said, but that came as no surprise to people there.
"We were pleased that he managed to give such a personal blessing that he actually spoke those words and definitely there was that personal connection there."
Aside from attending mass at the Vatican, that Gouveia called the "highlight," the school trip also zeroed in on visiting places such as the Colosseum, Sistine Chapel and Parthenon in Greece.
Stoukas says they were on another excursion the following day when they found out Pope Francis had passed — calling it a "weird experience" having just seen in the day before.
"We didn't really know how to react. And as soon as that happened, one of our teachers led us in a prayer," she said.
Gouveia says news of his death was tough to take.
"It's almost like you lost a family member, having seen him so recently — just hours before — and then finding out about the news of his passing. It was like we lost a friend."
According to Gouveia, he believes the Vatican experience was one that will stay with him and the students for the rest of their lives.
"What's funny is that I think it heightened the level of [religious] engagement. I know that on the flight back … some of the kids they were tuning into their little screens. I know that a number of students all of a sudden took interest in the movie Conclave."
On Monday, the Vatican confirmed that Roman Catholic cardinals will meet in a secret conclave to elect the new leader of the global Church starting from May 7. Cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote for Pope Francis's successor, meaning some 135 from around the world are expected to participate in the highly secretive ballot.