Pope Francis Viewing and Funeral: Roncalli Students Attend in Italy

Students and faculty from Roncalli High School will attend Pope Francis's viewing and funeral after their trip to Italy was unexpectedly changed when the Pope passed away. The group had initially planned a pilgrimage to witness the canonization of Carlo Acutis, a 15-year-old saint who died of leukemia.

"We're seeing a lot of memorials to him in these churches that we're going into, and it's kind of hitting us," said Regan Happe, a Roncalli High School theology teacher.

The students felt a connection to Acutis because he was young when he died, and they will still witness the Pope's canonization, but in a different way than planned.

"This is a really rare occurrence for someone, a saint that you can witness that you can relate to because he was known for being a saint at his young age, and I can relate to that," said Anthony Caito, a Roncalli High School freshman.

The group knew they would see the Pope on their original trip because he was set to perform Acutis' canonization. They view this unexpected turn of events as a great honor.

"It's how God wanted it to go," said Fatima Sobranes-Aguayo, a Roncalli High School sophomore. "This pilgrimage, it's not how it was planned, and I think that was the beauty of it."

Students Lily Bauman, Max Miranda, and Katie Hibner all expressed their excitement and gratitude for witnessing this historic moment.

"I'd say it's a very, very historic moment, and for it to happen this week when we planned to go is just crazy to think about," said Max Miranda, a Roncalli High School junior. "I think it's really special."

The group recognizes that they are witnessing one chapter close while acknowledging Pope Francis's impact on the Catholic Church.

"Pope Francis's emphasis on hope has been a beautiful refreshing of my faith for me," said Katie Hibner, the Roncalli High School director of campus ministry.

The students plan to attend the viewing in the early morning hours on Friday and the funeral mass on Saturday morning. The canonization of Carlo Acutis will be postponed to a later date.