Argentinian couple makes journey to see pope in Philly
CENTER CITY (WPVI) -- Among the thousands of pilgrims flocking to the city for the World Meeting of Families is a couple from the pope's homeland of Argentina.
Action News was introduced to Rafael and Patricia Martinez during news anchor Jim Gardner's visit to Buenos Aries for a series of reports on Pope Francis.
As promised, the couple traveled over 5,000 miles to see their beloved pope in the City of Brotherly Love.
"We told him, we're going to make it and we did it. We're here, haha," said Rafael Martino.
"The city is beautiful, first time in Philadelphia, we're very excited," said Patricia Martino. "Everything is prepared for the pope."
The couple has been enjoying the festivities at the Convention Center.
They said seeing the pope in Philadelphia is going to be an emotional experience.
"It's going to be very nice, very emotional, very emotional for us," said Rafael Martino.
Also anticipating the pope's visit is Cuban-American George Fernandez.
The Cuban exile from Doylestown has returned home, after making the journey to Cuba and D.C., to see the pope once more.
"There's so much hope in the faces of the Cuban people since the restoration of diplomatic relations and now the Holy Father there to seal the deal, it's fabulous," said Fernandez.
It was Fernandez third trip to see a pope in Cuba.
When asked was it worth putting in all those miles, Fernandez replied, "We'll do it all over again ten times."
Friday marks the final countdown to the pope's arrival, and locals and visitors alike are excited about the highlight of this week's celebration.
