From Nervous Hello to Holy Hug: Indian Girl Recounts Encounter with Pope Francis

I first saw Pope Francis at World Youth Day in Panama — a distant figure, yet radiating warmth as he smiled and waved at thousands of us. But it was when I stood before him that I truly saw him. There was no grandeur, no distance. Just a man whose presence felt deeply familiar — humble, kind, and profoundly human. He felt like one of us. And somehow, he is.

In the moments before our meeting, I was a bundle of nerves. I kept repeating what I might say, but the second he stood before me, I forgot every word. “Heeeee…” was all I could manage. He smiled gently, recognising my nervousness, and stepped forward, holding my hands. He blessed me, told me he would pray for me — and asked that I pray for him too. I offered him our traditional shawl and shyly asked if I could hug him. “Yes, yes,” he said with open arms. Before leaving, I said, “Tu es Bonito, Papa Francesco,” and he chuckled, telling me he found my smile beautiful too. My heart could have burst.

One of the moments I hold dearest was a letter he wrote to us, where he gave us three words: “Thank you”, “Sorry”, and “Please.” Words that reflected the depth of his humility and love for service.

Meeting Pope Francis changed everything. He taught me that faith doesn’t need grand gestures — just a sincere heart and a quiet prayer. His humour, grace, and compassion stirred something within me that continues to grow.

To those who longed to meet him — know this: you would have not met a public figure. You would have encountered a soul that reflects Christ. And even now, though he is gone, his spirit lives in the love he left behind.

By Jesvita Princy Quadras

Image credits: Vatican News