PLEASANT HILL, Iowa — Antonio Banuelos and his wife, Mayra Banuelos, met Pope Francis when they took their family on a pilgrimage to Rome. It was the second time the family had gotten close to the Pope.

The first meeting was at a convention for Catholic families in 2015 in Philadelphia. That was a close up hand-shake.

The second time was in connection to a meeting with the Knights of Columbus Board members, which made the pilgrimage to Rome.

“Actually when we met him in person when we came to greet him first thing we say, is ‘an honor to meet you, it is such a pleasure we are from Mexico, migrants to the United States, and we bring you greetings from the heart of Iowa,’” said Antonio. “That was quick because you know there’s a big line so, it’s hello nice to meet you, then move on.”

Antonio and Mayra got to greet the Pope as a couple and their three kids got to chat with Pope Francis. One of their daughters was so impressed with that meeting she decided to become a missionary.

“When Pope Francis was elected, I was very moved. I was so excited. To know that he was pope from Latin America, a pope that speaks Spanish and a pope that shares my vision,” said Mayra. “He always prayed for immigrants. He always advocates for immigrants.”

News of the Pope’s passing surprised the Banuelos family.

“We were blessed to have met him, but it is a big loss,” said Antonio. “I know God will keep taking care of the church, but as of now we are in mourning for our Pope, and we will have a new one, and this one left at a very high bar.” 

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