Stan Schmidt Quotations

We knew we were in the front row, but we didn't know we'd get to meet the pope. There were these men working security detail all around. One of them walked up and said, 'Those of you in the front row are going to have an opportunity to meet the pope.' I was shocked.

The thing that I'll remember is that our five sons went with us. We don't see them much because they all live in the east. Them being there and doing this for us made it all so great.

It was unbelievable. Who would have ever thought that people from the Dakotas would shake hands with the Pope?

He had something to say to everyone he shook hands with. I didn't catch what he said to me. I was scared I might step on his foot or something. I thought him being the new pope, I should say something about his future. He smiled at me.

I had a couple of words for him. I told him, 'God bless his series as the pope.' ... The thing I remember the most is that I was probably shaking pretty bad.