Singer-songwriter and Living Faith contributor, Sarah Hart, offers this remembrance…
I had the beautiful honor and privilege of singing for and meeting Pope Francis. When I was finally face to face with him at that meeting, I remember looking into his eyes, and finding there a combination of my grandfather (who had recently passed away) and Jesus. All I could think to do was throw my arms out and give him a bear hug, which is exactly what I did. I laughed and sobbed and thanked him in Italian, told him I loved him in Italian, as he laughed and hugged me back. I left a streak of black mascara on his shoulder from my tears! It was a beautiful, ridiculous, hilarious, healing encounter, and one that will stay with me forever. I was not afraid, but rather, felt his invitation. Francis was not taken aback by my act of compassionate joy, or even by my possible impropriety. He was truly a pope for the people. His way was welcome. He will be so missed.
