ATHENS- It’s over a month since the passing of Pope and we now have a new pope.

There are moments in my life that don’t fully sink in until much later: moments so layered with emotion and meaning that they overwhelm you in real time. Being part of Pope Francis’s visit to Greece was exactly that for me: surreal, almost dreamlike, yet deeply grounding.

As a freelance journalist, covering the Pope’s visit in 2021 in Athens wasn’t just another assignment—it felt like a calling. But as a teacher, I was torn. My students needed me, and the timing of the visit couldn’t have been more challenging. I found myself in a dilemma… until grace stepped in.

Our school principal graciously allowed me to go, offering to cover my classes so I could attend. In that moment, I already felt God working through the people around me. Just the thought of seeing Pope Francis—even from afar—filled me with joy and a sense of being truly blessed.

The Mass That Moved My Soul

Pope Francis spent three unforgettable days in Greece: Days filled with messages of hope, faith, and unity. During the Holy Mass celebrated at the largest cathedral in Athens, he touched not only my life but also the lives of countless others.

One interviewee told me, “Seeing and touching the Pope made me feel like I was flying in the clouds.” I understood exactly what she meant, perhaps even more.

As someone who rarely goes to Mass, I didn’t expect the emotional impact it had on me. But when Pope Francis spoke, his message of courage, humility, and unwavering faith pierced through. His words weren’t grand or complicated—they were simple, but they carried the weight of truth and grace.

Just seeing him at the altar felt like being immersed in the presence of the Divine. Hearing him speak made the Church feel alive… and close.

By the end of the Mass, something had changed in me. I wasn’t just witnessing history: I was being renewed by it. My faith, which had grown distant, felt alive again.

A Moment at the Youth Convention

At a youth gathering in Athens, Pope Francis once again touched hearts—not just the young, but everyone in the room. His presence was magnetic. The testimonies shared, the energy in the room, and the Pope’s own humble charisma made it feel like heaven touched earth for a moment.

One of the young attendees I interviewed said, “It’s like God is giving you messages through the Pope.” And truly, it felt that way. Every word he said was like a spark that lit something new inside of me.

Then came the moment I will never forget: he walked past me. I reached out, and for a brief, sacred instant, our hands met. I felt something indescribable—like grace had passed through him into me. I can still feel it to this day.

A Familiar Face in Rome

This wasn’t the first time I had seen Pope Francis. I had the chance to witness him during Holy Week in Rome in 2019. As his Popemobile passed by and he raised his hand to bless the crowd, something stirred in me then, too. I cried—tears I couldn’t explain at the time. Now I understand. His presence has always moved something deep within me.

A Final Goodbye to the People’s Pope

Pope Francis didn’t just lead the Catholic Church—he transformed it. He brought compassion where there was judgment, connection where there was distance, and love where there was division. He reminded us that the Church is not just an institution, but a home.

Now that he has passed, I hold these memories close to my heart. His life, his humility, and his message of hope will stay with me forever.

He wasn’t just a Pope. He was a father, a servant, and a light in dark times.

Pope Francis, thank you for touching my life—and so many others—with grace.