Pope Francis in America: Sandra Lee, Barack Obama's Dogs and More Celebs Who Met the Religious Leader

Mark Wahlberg, Kerry Washington, Matt Lauer and more stars share their memories

By Mike Vulpo Sep 27, 2015 9:12 PMTags
Sandra Lee, Pope Francis Facebook

What a trip for Pope Francis!

In just six days, the religious leader traveled throughout Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and New York City where he interacted with everyone from babies and the sick, to political leaders and celebrities.

One familiar face who was able to meet Pope Francis not once but twice was chef Sandra Lee. Just days after declaring she was cancer-free, the Food Network star received blessings from the Pope both at a church service and at Ground Zero.

"I was so amazed he remembered me from the night before and wanted so much to thank him for my blessing," she wrote on Facebook. "But before I could get a word out he ever so sweetly and with an instantly warm wide smile looking right into my eyes and placed his hand on my head blessing me for the second time."

Facebook

She continued, "I was so stunned, he brought me to tears at St. Patrick's the night before and again earlier that day at the 9/11 ceremony. I cannot recall ever being this moved—I must be the luckiest girl in the world and truly do not deserve his attention or affection. I am so deeply grateful that no words could ever express my overwhelming emotions."

As the Pope prepares to travel back to Rome Sunday night, we're taking a look at all of the stars—including two furry friends—who were able to meet his holiness.

And while some may have only received a wave (we're looking at you Kerry Washington) or were simply in the same room with him, we have no doubt the 78-year-old made quite the impression.

1. Candice King 

#Blessed @pontifex

A photo posted by Candice King (@craccola) on

2. Harry Connick Jr. 

how amazing is this? that's the Pope's car! how honored i was to be asked to perform for him! #PopeInNYC

A photo posted by Harry Connick, Jr. (@harryconnickjr) on

3. Kerry Washington  

I got to see my celebrity crush. #twopopesonecity #fbf

A video posted by Kerry Washington (@kerrywashington) on

4. Matt Lauer and Savannah Guthrie 

5. Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Sonny & Bo

Pete Souza/White House

6. Eva Longoria 

7. Mark Wahlberg

Carl Court/Getty Images