Wenski: Pope's Visit Bigger Than Politics
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) - Miami Archbishop Thomas Wenski was back in Miami on Tuesday but not for long. He was headed to Washington, D.C. along with a a group of pilgrims to see Pope Francis.
Fresh off reconciliation between the U.S. and Cuba, some believe the pontiff's dual-country visit is political as much as it is spiritual.
Wenski, who just returned from Cuba and will catch a flight Tuesday evening, says the pope's trip to both nations was no accident.
"I think the fact that he is traveling from Cuba to the U.S. is also a symbolic gesture. He's trying to build a bridge between Cuba the U.S.," said Wenski.
Wenski also says the visits are bigger than politics. They are about faith and hope.
"It transcends that. The pope is a head of state but he's more than a head of state. He's a pastor," said Wenski. "I think the pope won the hearts of the Cuban people and as a missionary of mercy I think he set the right tone that will help the church in Cuba toward a future of hope."
Meantime, those in the U.S. look forward to the pope's stay these next couple of days.
"It's like a dream come true," said Carmen Roman.
Pope Francis arrived in Washington late Tuesday afternoon and will spend six days in the nation's Capitol, New York and Philadelphia. The group from the Archdiocese of Miami was excited by the prospect of seeing the pontiff in person.
"Very few people get the chance to do that, to see him so close in person," said Frank Casseus.
"When I see him something just lights up in my heart. He's just someone very special," said Mercy Allen.
About 50 people boarded the buses for the 20 hour ride, a spiritual journey of a lifetime.
"I feel like I've been put on this mission to be able to go and see and maybe even meet him and feel the excitement and bring it back here and share the excitement with all my loved ones and friends as well," said Allen.
"He's like an angel sent by God," said Roman.
Roman said she plans to wear white and yellow, the colors which represent the Vatican, when she witnesses the pope's first Mass on U.S. soil. It will be a historic event that she and her fellow travelers will never forget.
"We're going to be there giving him spiritual support and loving him," said Roman, "I'm very excited."
"I feel very blessed," said Judith Padron. "It's an opportunity you have only once in your lifetime."
For the Gurdian sisters, this trip is about connecting with their faith through a pope that has gained unprecedented popularity..
"He's different from the rest of the popes, he's done a lot and I really would like to see him," said Maria Eugenia Gurdian.
Their mission is to learn from him, and in true teenage style, hope to memorialize the meeting with their cell phones.
"I want to take a selfie with him, ha ha," said Claudia Gurdian.
Click here for complete coverage of the pope's visit.
