Pope Francis prepares for US visit

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Pope Francis will visit the United States later this month. ABC7 will follow him, reporting on his travels from New York to Washington to Philadelphia.

It's a historic trip, but not his first encounter with Americans. Earlier this week, he surprised students with a virtual visit at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood.

It was a life changing experience for all of them.

"I'm still in shock. I'm speechless," said Daniela Rodriguez, a senior at Cristo Rey.

Students found out about the visit minutes before it happened. Naturally, they were a little nervous.

"I was like, OK! I guess I'll try to do my best and look nice," said Crosby Estrada, another Cristo Rey senior.

Rodriguez and Estrada witnessed history, watching in amazement as their peers spoke to the pontiff.

"I was so nervous. We were talking and I started crying because of the nerves," said Valerie Herrera, 17.

After hearing her story about using music as a way to deal with bullies at school, Pope Francis asked Herrera to sing for him. When she hesitated, he said, "Be courageous."

Herrera's impromptu performance has now been viewed around the world.

In Rome, ABC News' David Muir sat with the pope for the first-of-its-kind interview. People in Chicago, Los Angeles and McAllen, Texas, were united by satellite, speaking to the Holy Father for about an hour.

"It was an incredibly special moment, one that I will never forget," said ABC News' Tom Llamas, who moderated the Chicago visit.

"The Vatican wanted this school because they knew it was special - and they were right. The kids were special. They were absolutely amazing. The stories they told really connected with Pope Francis," Llamas said.

"We actually talked about how the youth should be strong and have courage and try not to walk alone, to be with other people," Estrada said.

"He was motivating us to be the best we can. He said we never have to walk alone. There will always be someone there leading us. We just have to find the right people," Rodriguez said.

A special edition of the ABC News magazine 20-20 entitled "Pope Francis and the People" will air Friday at 9 p.m. on ABC7.