Saucon Grad Meets Pope Francis in Philadelphia

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September 28, 2015

Natalie Roche, who graduated from Saucon Valley High School in 2013, met Pope Francis on the campus of St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia over the weekend during his U.S. visit. Roche said she was honored to meet the pontiff, whose visit was heavily covered by major U.S. media. Roche is a St. Joe’s student.

A 2013 Saucon Valley graduate proudly represented Hellertown during the papal visit to Philadelphia over the weekend, where she personally met Pope Francis and shook the pontiff’s hand.

Natalie Roche, who is a student at St. Joseph’s University, met the popular pope on the campus of the well-known Catholic university in the city.

“It was such an honor to meet someone so holy,” she said. “The spirit from the student body was on another level. I still can’t believe that it happened. To be able to touch his hand and speak with him is a once in a lifetime experience.”

Of her personal interaction with Pope Francis, Roche added:

I told him, “Thank you for your love and happiness.” And Pope Francis said, “I pray for you as you pray for me.”

Natalie Roche, who graduated from Saucon Valley High School in 2013, met Pope Francis on the campus of St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia over the weekend during his U.S. visit. Roche said she was honored to meet the pontiff, whose visit was heavily covered by major U.S. media. Roche is a St. Joe's student. — Natalie Roche, who graduated from Saucon Valley High School in 2013, met Pope Francis on the campus of St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia over the weekend during his U.S. visit. Roche said she was honored to meet the pontiff, whose visit was heavily covered by major U.S. media. Roche is a St. Joe’s student.

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Josh Popichak

Josh Popichak is a veteran local journalist with an extensive background in print and digital news. A Bethlehem native, he has a Bachelor’s degree in history and has maintained a lifelong affinity for the subject. He founded Saucon Source to fill a need for independent local journalism, which has thrived with the support of an engaged, enthusiastic readership. He thanks the community, whose continued support makes this site possible.

Saucon Grad Meets Pope Francis in Philadelphia

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Saucon Grad Meets Pope Francis in Philadelphia

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