SEATTLE — When the leader of the world’s 1.5 billion Catholics speaks in Philadelphia, some students from Seattle Preparatory School will be there.
The seven sophomores, juniors and seniors are hoping to get as close to Pope Francis as possible. They even know what they'd say to him, given the chance.
"I would say, I'm very thankful for this opportunity, and you're such an inspiration to me and to everybody who believes in this faith", sophomore Andrea Talty told KIRO 7 on Wednesday. "Your values are very powerful."
Seattle Prep is a Jesuit Catholic school that embraces the Ignatian ideal that each person is created to serve others. Francis is the first Jesuit pope ever.
"Going to a Jesuit school, that really means a lot," sophomore Teresa Zepeda said.
The students making the trip believe Francis sets a proud example of service to others, regardless of faith or social standing, worldwide.
"Being there for everybody and following others and listening to them," sophomore Rosa Carter cited as reasons why she's eager to see Francis in person.
"I think any person of any faith can relate to the core values that he's teaching of humility and mercy and grace," said sophomore Annika Bjornson, who's not Catholic.
"Pope Francis, as a Jesuit, challenges us, the Catholic community, to be more than what we are right now," said senior Juan Bernal.
The students were selected for the trip after writing a 1000-word essay.
They'll fly out of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on Thursday with Seattle Prep theology teacher and community minister Bei Bernal and plan to be in an audience of more than one million when the pontiff speaks.
The delegation will be hosted by another Jesuit high school, St. Joseph's Preparatory School, in Philadelphia, where they will sleep on the floor along with students from 42 other Jesuit high schools across the country.
"It's going to be an honor to even be in the presence of someone who embodies all the values I strive to live out," junior Alicia Bernal said.
Even before seeing the pope in person, junior Maxwell Buchanan is inspired: "He's really embraced humility and forgiveness and love and acceptance of all people, all walks of life."