It has been close to a week since Pope Francis visited the United States in general, and New York City in particular, inspiring many that he came in contact with and scores of others by visiting the country. The Pope spread some inspiration in Harlem as well when his holiness visited students. Rolling Out spoke exclusively with St. Charles Borromeo School Principal Aleeya A. Francis-Butts about the Papal visit.
“When I initially found out that my school had been chosen to take part in the Pope’s visit to New York City, I was thrilled. Soon after, the excitement was replaced with the thought of how to prepare my students,” she said.
Six students were chosen to meet Pope Francis, but the principal wanted to involve the entire school. Luckily for her and the students, others had a solution to the same dilemma. “It was then decided by the Archdiocese that all the schools would be able to present Pope Francis with a spiritual bouquet that would be presented in one large book,” she revealed.
Francis-Butts, who attended St. Charles Borromeo as a student and was employed as a teacher for 13 years before being named principal, discussed the experience of meeting Pope Francis. “The experience itself was amazing. The moment that it really hit me was when I got the first glimpse of the Pope arriving in the Fiat. I was just thrilled to be in Pope Francis’ presence. You could see his love for the children and his humble, loving, and caring demeanor was just shining. When he came to St. Charles Borromeo’s table and I had the opportunity to greet him, it was surreal. I felt joy and excitement not only for me but also for my (students) that were able to take part in the Pope’s visit,” she said.
Pope Francis visiting Harlem was an example of history repeating itself, as Francis-Butts reminded us, “In 1979, Pope John Paul II visited St. Charles Borromeo and now St. Charles Borromeo is again able to take part in such an event. Meeting Pope Francis is going to be a lifelong experience for me. To meet a man who genuinely cares for all people, who believes in justice, love, and joy was just an honor. He is the type of Pope who believes in forgiveness and acceptance and to me that is so beautiful. As a Catholic, he exemplifies what all Catholics and all people should work towards.”
Though St. Charles Borromeo is a Catholic school, not all students share the same religion. “One of my students that met the Pope is Muslim,” Francis-Butts told us. “He was just as thrilled as the other students who are Catholic to meet the Pope. In our school community, we believe in acceptance and love for all and that is exactly what that young man gave and received when meeting the Pope.” The Papal visit may be over, but he left an indelible mark on the students of St. Charles Borromeo and their principal.
