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Chicago Catholic College Students Journey To Philly To See Pope

(CBS) -- Chicago Catholics arrived in Philadelphia Saturday morning after a long road trip to see Pope Francis.

CBS 2's Vince Gerasole went along for the ride as the college students prepared to be in the presence of the Holy Father.

The Saint Xavier students arrived at their sister school in Philadelphia and upon check-in, they were greeted with a Pope-A-Palooza parking pass, their Pope-A-Palooza keys and even a "Flat Francis" on the doors to their dorm rooms. Quite an end to quite a day.

"We're especially happy to be involved because of who Pope Francis is, how he cares for the marginalized and those who've been overlooked in our society," said St. Xavier parent David Kelley.

The day had many moments of joy but late at night in the van Vince spoke with students about why seeing the pope is worth the long journey.

"I think because if his simple lifestyle," said sophomore Barbara Koszarek. "He doesn't drive fancy cars or wear fancy garments and he really shows us how to live simply."

"It's a feeling that's hard to explain, but I feel in my heart that it makes me feel complete as a Catholic just to even be in the presence of the pope is sufficient for me," said senior Guadalupe Avila.

For up-to-the-minute updates on Pope Francis trip, follow CBS 2's Jay Levine on Twitter.

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