Vatican City—I had my first glimpse of the Holy Father today as I stepped off the elevator into the lobby of the Domus Sanctae Marthae, the residence where Pope Francis makes his home.

Energy percolated in the room as a phalanx of security guards surrounded him. Pope Francis’ back was to me, but I could tell he was blessing someone. I rounded the corner to email a story to the office, and when I got back he was gone.

But I wasn’t disappointed because I knew I’d see him face to face in a private audience a few hours later.

How can I describe the experience? Surreal, unreal, a dream—almost.

We arrived at the Papal Palace, greeted by Swiss guards and other security members, who ushered us onto the elevator up to another floor. As we stepped into one of the main salons, we all seemed to catch our breath at once.

Biblical frescoes adorned every inch of the ceilings and walls. Soft pinks, deep purples, cool blues and vivid reds were a few colors I remember seeing. I wanted to stop and look—we all did—but the guards courteously and quickly moved our group from one salon to another. They smiled as we gawked and walked. I could tell they had seen this reaction a few thousand times before.

We waited in another room. Biblical frescoes adorned the upper part of the walls, and floor-to-ceiling tapestries depicted more scenes from sacred Scripture. We took pictures on our cell phones, chatted excitedly and waited.

Then we were ushered through a few more salons—I lost count of how many—into the final holding area. After a few minutes, the door to the library opened.

And there he was.

All I could hear was the clicking of cameras. And all I could see was him.

He looked comfortable, natural, at ease with strangers. Gentleness, kindness and humility radiated from him.

Each of us was introduced personally. As my name was called, I came forward and kissed his ring. He smiled and gave me a gift, a bronze coin commemorating the first year of his Pontificate.

Vatican photographers took our picture with him. And then it was over.

Later, a member of our delegation told me she spoke to him in his native Spanish. He listened attentively, then made a simple request: “Pray for me.”

Every one of us who met him today will gladly oblige.