I saw the Pope during that visit in Vancouver. One of the most memorable experiences of my life. After Mass, and after all day sitting in a field waiting for him to arrive, my friend and I tried to take a short cut back to our bus, moved a barricade, and ducked behind the temporary altar.
We ran smack into the Pope. We were so stunned that we just mumbled something like “Thank you, Father” as his bodyguards hustled him away. He blessed us and waved us on. I mostly remember his beautiful, blue eyes. Just riveting.
Also his smile. Just glowing.
My Pastor says that we were lucky not to be arrested and thrown in jail. The Pope is heavily protected, although we didn’t feel intimidated — just lucky for our 30 second private meeting.