‘A big blessing’: Maryland woman relives welcoming Pope Francis to the US as a preteen

As the world mourns the death of Pope Francis, a Maryland woman relives the opportunity of a lifetime she experienced as a preteen: welcoming the pontiff to the United States during his visit in 2015.

Silver Spring native Jocelyn Aquino was only 12 years old when her teachers at Sacred Heart Catholic School elected her to be a part of the welcoming entourage when the pope arrived at Andrews Air Force Base.

“To even be picked, to have this moment, to me, it’s such a big blessing, and it’s such an honor,” she said.