A group of more than 100 University of Akron students and alumni witnessed Pope Francis this past weekend on his first official visit to the United States in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The individuals that took part in the trip are part of the Akron Newman Catholic group.

After months of fundraising and planning, Katie Brumbaugh, who is president of Newman Catholic Campus ministry, along with students and alumni left campus Friday night at 10 p.m. They arrived in Pennsylvania on Saturday morning and stayed until Sunday evening.

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Kristina Aiad-Toss

Upon arrival to Philadelphia early Saturday morning, UA student John Nnyanzi bought a flag of Vatican City from one of the many street vendors selling Papal memorabilia.

During the weekend, the group stayed at the National Museum of American Jewish History. They attended the Pope’s speech at Independence Hall, The Festival of Families, and the Papal Mass at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway along with more than 2 million travelers from all over the world.

UA student Jessie Cronauer, reflecting on his weekend, said, “seeing the Pope is once in a lifetime opportunity. He’s an incredible individual and he is extremely humble. There’s a reason he’s called the People’s Pope, because he’s always giving his attention, his respect, and his love to all people no matter who they are.  I truly feel like I have deepened my faith during this trip.”