Less than a week after returning from a whirlwind trip to Rome, several middle schoolers from Ann Arbor's St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School sat down to talk about their experiences.

The 41 seventh- and eighth-grade choir members were invited to participate in the International Festival of Pueri Cantores, a gathering of more than 90 youth choirs from around the world, in the Vatican City over midwinter break. The festival included multiple rehearsals and performances, including a special audience with Pope Benedict XVI just for the festival singers and their parents.

One might expect a group of young tweens and teens to chatter about the shopping and sightseeing on the first European visit for many of them. Yet the experiences these students chose to share speak volumes about the memories they will carry for years to come.

"It was so phenomenal," gushed an enthusiastic Emily Stumpo, 14. "We actually walked through the doors that the emperors of Rome walked through, and we saw the first church built by Constantine. Everything was so meaningful."

Kristen Johnson, 12, liked the Spanish Steps. "I wanted to run right up — they were so high- and you could see this really cool view of Rome from the top," she said. Andrew Blower, 13, was fascinated by the relics at St. Mary's and St. John's cathedrals.

Still, what moved these young students most was the opportunity to see Pope Benedict XVI in person. When the Pope appeared at the special audience for the youth festival participants, many of the young people were so moved that they forgot to sing, said choir director Linda Opaleski. "And then they sang their hearts out," said Opaleski, "and this amazing, beautiful sound filled the room."

Aubrey Loftus, 13, was inspired by the reactions of others in the audience when Pope Benedict arrived. "People were crying," she said. "It made us realize how important he is."

"We were just 15 feet away from the Pope," said Will Libs, 14. "It was pretty special to be that close."

When the Pope gave his traditional New Year's blessing for the crowds gathered in St. Peter's square, Libs noted that any items the witnesses carried with them was considered officially blessed. "So we bought small souvenirs, so they could be blessed" to share with friends and family back home, Libs said.

With all of the demands upon Pope Benedict's time, "I was impressed that he took time out of his busy schedule to see this group of kids and teenagers," said Alex Trouba, 14.

Amanda Maninga, 13, said she felt a special connection with the other youth from 35 different countries "who have been working all year, just like us, and sing the same music and worship the same God."

"It was a group experience," added Loftus. "We really bonded."

The opportunity to travel to Rome, see the Pope, and gather with the adoring crowds "makes you feel more fortunate," Maninga said. "You really appreciate what has been given to you."

Pam Stout coordinates Faith and Parenting coverage for AnnArbor.com.