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Catholic Students Watch History Unfold During Pope's Visit

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DEERFIELD BEACH (CBSMiami) - When Pope Francis stepped out of a Fiat in a driveway at the White House, children at Catholic schools across South Florida watched history unfold in front of them.

At the St. Ambrose School in Deerfield Beach, the students cheered as President Barack Obama welcomed Pope Francis. While they may not have fully understood the significance of the meeting, they knew it was an important moment.

"I thought it was amazing because two very important people met in one place and discussed their opinions," said sixth grader Jessica Borowski.

Slideshow: Pope Francis At The White House

"It was an amazing experience, actually, to see them unite, say the prayers and do all this so there can be peace on Earth forever," said fellow sixth grader Matthew Delva.

Delva has big hopes for the relationship between the pope and the president.

"That the things that happen in the Middle East end so they can come together in world peace, can't be scared of being your religion," said Delva.

Leading up to the visit, students at the school have been learning more about the pope. They also thought long and hard about what they would say if they had the chance to speak to him. Third grader Austin Dorsch said he would ask the pontiff "Why do so many countries go to war over religion?"

At Belen Jesuit Preparatory School,students watched as the pope celebrated his first mass in the United States.  He canonized Franciscan Friar  Junípero Serra.  Staying away from the controversy, they focused on the pope himself.

Student David Andreu is thrilled the pope is in the U.S.  He feels the pontiff is bringing people back to the church.

"You have such an amazing man visiting our country and it's absolutely astonishing. It's remarkable,"said Andreu. "I have friends who have been inspired by this pope and it really is,  you can feel the awesomeness of it, you can feel the inspiration that comes from such a humble man."

The televisions in the school will be on over the next several days so the students can watch the pope address Congress and the United Nations.

 

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