Local parishioners listen to pope during visit to Italy

A pilgrimage to holy sites in Italy became a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a group of local parishioners who also got a chance to see Pope Francis in person.

Fifteen members from Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church joined Father Victor Jagerstatter and another priest from Coeur d'Alene on a nine-day trip to Italy that included visits to Rome, Venice and Florence.

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Helen Lindsey was seated just six feet away from Pope Francis when she caught this photo of the pope blessing a child prior to his weekly address at St. Peter's Square in Rome on Oct. 21.