Reporter Shares Personal Experience Meeting Pope Francis Before His Death

A Memorable Encounter with Pope Francis

• 📌 FOX 13 reporter Evan Axelbank and his wife, Haley Hinds, had the unique opportunity to meet Pope Francis.
• 💡 The encounter occurred during a 'spouses novelli' ceremony at the Vatican, where couples could have their new marriages blessed by the Pope.
• 🤝 Axelbank described the experience as distinct from meeting political leaders, highlighting the Pope's generous allocation of time for each couple.

Pope Francis's Demeanor and Impact

• 💖 Axelbank noted Pope Francis's soft, welcoming hands and his evident compassion, drawing parallels to his known work with the poor.
• 🗣️ The Pope's voice was described as very soft, and he asked those present to pray for him, conveying a sense of shared humanity and mutual support.
• ⏱️ Axelbank was surprised by the 30-40 seconds Pope Francis spent with each couple, considering he met with hundreds of people over two and a half hours.

Significance of the Blessing

• 🙏 For Axelbank, who is not of the Catholic faith, the experience was a meaningful moment as a guest on sacred ground, witnessing a world leader focused on improving others' lives.
• ✨ The blessing of their marriage was a particularly special and peaceful moment for the couple as they began their married life.
• 📵 Attendees were encouraged to be respectful of the moment, with no phones visible, emphasizing the solemnity and personal significance of the event.