Valley students learn the importance of the Pope’s visit

The Pope’s trip to the United States has both teachers and students excited for the opportunity to learn more about the leader of the Catholic Church.

Students at Sacred Heart Catholic School spent the day learning about the Pope and why his visit is so important.

Teachers said no matter your faith, the Pope is spreading a message we can all learn from.

“I think it’s pretty cool that it’s the first time he’s ever come to America and it’s just so exciting that he’s actually here,” fifth grader Annie Jackson said.

During his visit teachers are including parts of his trip into their curriculum.

“Our children are learning all about the church’s hierarchy, who are the leaders, who cares for us, who teaches us. And so when we’re talking about the Pope that he’s coming here, they’ve been watching it on television, discussing it with their families, talking about it in class and they are just excited,” second grade teacher Angela Ponder.

So far it seems like these students have learned a lot.

“I think I can learn how to love people more and respect others,” fifth grader Ethan Oleson said.

“I think for him it has to be hard to be someone so famous trying to still be normal. But I think he’s teaching people to love and not be angry at each other,” Jackson said.

At Wednesday’s mass Father Howard Lincoln said the Pope’s modest lifestyle sets a good example.

“That’s the image he wants to convey and frankly that’s the image priests, bishops, pope, doesn’t matter we want to convey an image that we’re in this for Christ, for God, for love and not in this for material stuff,” Lincoln said.

Lincoln said the Pope’s other messages about taking care of the earth and respecting one another are things everyone, not just Catholics, can learn.

“God loves everybody and that’s very much the Pope’s message. Whether he’s talking about the poor, immigrants, or the economy system it’s all about loving and caring for people,” Lincoln said.

Just two days into his trip, students know there’s still so much to learn.

Lincoln said everyone at the church is anxious to hear what the Pope has to say to congress Thursday.

He said teachers will certainly discuss what he says at school on Friday.