DePaul students speak with Pope Francis: 'magical moment'

CHICAGO - A DePaul student and teacher were among the lucky few who got to meet face-to-face with Pope Francis via webinar on Tuesday.

"It is with great humility that I stand before you all here today representing DePaul University in Chicago," said Kevin Holechko, President of the DePaul Student Government Association, 

Holechko had the important job of introducing the Pope to kick off a webinar called "Building Bridges Across Africa."

"And now, to lead us in prayer, and conversation: his Holiness, Pope Francis," Holechko said to kick off the meeting.

Holechko was one of roughly a dozen university students from Africa and the Americas to discuss global issues facing the Catholic Church.

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"And repair the bonds of relationship to heal the world," said Associate Professor Father Stan Ilo, who helped facilitate Tuesday's discussion. "A world filled with tension, a lot of animosity and anger."

One goal of the discussion was addressing ways to repair bonds between people who are right now polarized ideologically, from a young person's perspective.

"Young students can be the agents for reversing certain trends, for creating new pathways," said Ilo.

Ilo said he was very encouraged by the Pope's meticulous note-taking throughout the webinar — an event he called "a game-changer."

"It was a magical moment. It is a moment unforgettable because it is something that is so captivating for each and every one of us," said Father Ilo.