WASHINGTON – Catholic school children greet the Pope every time he leaves or returns to the Vatican Embassy in Washington.
Thomas Batties and Carolina Permuy of Holy Trinity Catholic School get to have that opportunity just before Pope Francis leaves for New York City.
"I think it is great that we get that opportunity," Thomas said.
Thomas' mom, Leila, is a graduate of the University of Miami. They moved to Washington a few years ago. Thomas and his school mates, along with children of the parish, will stand outside of the Apostolic Nunciature on Massachusetts Avenue when Pope Francis returns from Congress Thursday.
Thomas said he was touched by the way the pope welcomed Sophia Cruz, the 5-year-old girl from California who got through secret service to deliver her message on immigration.
"She was so little and so brave," Thomas said.
Carolina's family is originally from Coral Gables. Now a 7th grader, she said she can't wait to greet the leader of the Catholic Church.
So what will she say to him?
"Welcome to D.C., Holy Father," Carolina told Local 10 News.
Holy Trinity Elementary school was founded in 1818. It is not only the first elementary school in the Archdiocese, but the first in the District of Columbia.
When the seven students, along with seven others from the church parish meet with Pope Francis, it will be another moment they can put in their history book.
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