Fayetteville State professor shares Vatican experience

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- As Miriam Chitiga watches Pope Francis make his historic trip through the United States, she is still processing her recent face-to-face meeting with him at the Vatican.

"I felt this was the closest to Jesus I would get here on Earth," said Chitiga. "The closest to...It was a Heavenly experience. Just the whole experience."

The meeting was also a life-changer for the devout Catholic and professor of Educational Leadership at Fayetteville State University. Chitiga received the invitation through her sister Rudo, a Paris-based ambassador to the Vatican. Together with their sister Liz, the women traveled to the Vatican in May. Rudo would handle official business, as her sisters were allowed on the Pope's balcony.

Pope Francis talked about many of the issues he's addressed in Cuba and the United States over the past week, Chitiga said. He also blessed Chitiga's rosary, and asked the sisters to pray for him.

"He is magical, but since he is the Holy Father, I can't use the word magical, but he is very spiritual," said Chitiga.

"I still have him," Chitiga continued. "Even now, he is with me. I feel his presence with me."

Chitiga laughed recalling a request by FSU Chancellor, Dr. James Anderson, ahead of the visit.

"He asked that I invite the Pope to FSU," she said. "I did, even though I know his schedule his busy."

Chitiga said she feels renewed after the meeting, and hopes it was a once in a lifetime experience.

"The presence that I have, I never felt, and I will never feel unless I get to see the Pope (again)," said Chitiga. "And I pray that will have more opportunity."