The day I met Pope Francis: two hours of extraordinary peace

Participating in the 11th International Thomistic Congress in Rome was an experience that marked a turning point in my life. Beyond the theological discussions and insights that enriched me, I never imagined I would meet Pope Francis.

Join me as I reflect on meeting Pope Francis and how this extraordinary experience deepened my commitment to studying and teaching the Catholic doctrine.

The moment I greeted the Holy Father, Pope Francis.

The day I met Pope Francis during the Thomistic Congress

In 2022, I attended the 11th International Thomistic Congress in Rome, a gathering of Thomistic theology scholars from around the world. As part of the congress, we had the incredible opportunity to attend a private audience with Pope Francis. On the morning of Thursday, September 22, a Mass was celebrated in St. Peter’s Basilica, after which we were invited to listen to and greet the Holy Father.

When the Mass ended, we were guided from the Basilica to the Clementine Hall in the Apostolic Palace. We passed through gardens, corridors, and stairways... everything felt majestic. Crossing the doors into the private audience hall was like stepping into a completely different world. My excitement was immense, my heart was racing… everything was new, and every detail filled me with awe.

Renaissance frescoes in the Clementine Hall of the Apostolic Palace.

I managed to find a seat in the fourth row, and while we waited, I admired the Renaissance frescoes: The Martyrdom of Saint Clement by Paul Bril and the Allegory of Art and Science by Cherubino Alberti. Beside me, a Dominican priest and a lay theologian shared the same awe… and a deep sense of peace.

The Holy Father, Pope Francis, entered through a side door, and his presence filled the audience hall at the Apostolic Palace. The organizers had prepared a speech, but he put it aside—Pope Francis spoke to us straight from the heart.

With a clear and steady voice, he encouraged theologians to deepen their study of Thomas Aquinas and to renew the language of his theology to respond to the challenges of our times. You can click here to read Pope Francis’ message to the attendees of the congress. His words carried great authority and, above all, a remarkable tenderness.

Pope Francis entering the Clementine Hall.

Then the moment came to greet him. I had so much I wanted to say… yet all I could manage, in Spanish, was: “¡Gracias, Padre!” He looked into my eyes, smiled gently, and held my hand firmly.

I took the rosary the attendant offered to each person, and in that moment, it truly sank in: I met Pope Francis. My eyes filled with tears. Tears of gratitude, of emotion… and of something entirely new.

When Pope Francis finished greeting everyone—with the same warmth and attention for each person—he turned his chair, posed for the official audience photograph, blessed us, and then moved on to preside over the next audience.

The day I met Pope Francis was extraordinary. It felt like a glimpse of Heaven, for two hours. Or perhaps, how I imagine Heaven might be: with serenity and certainty, and the love of a Father who never stops watching over His children.

Pope Francis, Pope Leo XIV, and the mission of the Catholic Church

Now we have another great Pope continuing the Church’s mission: to sanctify, evangelize, and serve as a beacon of moral authority. Pope Leo XIV brings a spirit of closeness and compassion, expressed in his first major document, the Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi te, which reminds us that care for the poor is essential to holiness and lies at the very heart of the Gospel and Catholic faith.

Let us pray for Pope Leo XIV, as Pope Francis invited the faithful to do when he first appeared on the papal balcony—a gentle reminder that the Catholic Church watches over, cares for, and loves everyone.

What is Understanding Fe?

At the end of 2024, I launched the UnderstandingFe project to make the richness of Catholic theology more accessible. While my courses are currently offered in Spanish, I invite everyone to explore my website and read the blogs I am translating into English—an opportunity to deepen your faith thoughtfully and at your own pace.

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