A selfie with the pope

A selfie with the pope

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It’s not every day you get a selfie with the pope.

I took this photo high above the Atlantic Ocean about three hours after takeoff en route to Mexico.

I asked Pope Francis to have a selfie taken with me for my family. My argument was a simple one: I said that it’s common to see people asking for a selfie with him. To my delight, he replied, “OK, no problem at all.”

People around me congratulated me for getting the selfie and my family and friends were really happy to see it.

. In Flight, MEXICO. Reuters/Alessandro Di Meo

The atmosphere on the plane was one of real excitement. Everyone was happy to have the privilege to shake the pope’s hand or talk to him.

Comments from my colleagues about this selfie were all pleasant, although some of them regretted not having asked him the same question.

The contact between Pope Francis and the press is very friendly, he shakes hands and talks with all of us. It seems to me that the pope understands how challenging our job can be. He always thanks the press and is very gracious.

. Vatican City, VATICAN. Reuters/Max Rossi

I have also travelled with Pope Benedict and John Paul II before him. They have all been great in their own way: three popes with very different attitudes and personalities but each one of them an incredible person.

This trip has been particularly demanding as we usually wake up around 4 o'clock in the morning to catch planes and only get back to our hotel about 9 in the evening. Then it’s a quick dinner, a shower and 4 hours’ sleep.

An assignment such as this is really hard for photographers, not least because we carry a lot of gear all day long. Even so it's very exciting and all the effort is worth it. You know that the pictures you take are important.

. Ecatepec, Mexico. Reuters/Tomas Bravo

There is a sense of occasion and excitement everywhere around you too - that gives you energy.

The people here in Mexico are very excited about the pope’s visit. This is a very Catholic country and you can feel their devotion.

. Mexico City, Mexico. Reuters/Max Rossi

Everyone has been trying to get a selfie with him or at least a photo to commemorate his visit.

Mexican clergy have even got in on the photography act, taking pictures of the pontiff as he prayed in front of the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe while celebrating mass in Mexico City.

(Editing by Brian McGee)

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Slideshow

Members of the clergy participate in a mass celebrated by Pope Francis at Guadalupe's basilica.
. Mexico City, Mexico. Reuters/Max Rossi

Members of the clergy participate in a mass celebrated by Pope Francis at Guadalupe's basilica.

Pope Francis celebrates mass at Guadalupe's basilica.
. Mexico City, Mexico. Reuters/Max Rossi

Pope Francis celebrates mass at Guadalupe's basilica.

Pope Francis sits in the Metropolitan Cathedral in Zocalo Square, Mexico City.
. Mexico City, Mexico. Reuters/Max Rossi

Pope Francis sits in the Metropolitan Cathedral in Zocalo Square, Mexico City.

A bishop uses a mobile phone during a meeting with Pope Francis (not pictured) at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Zocalo Square.
. Mexico City, Mexico. Reuters/Max Rossi

A bishop uses a mobile phone during a meeting with Pope Francis (not pictured) at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Zocalo Square.

Pope Francis embraces young patients while visiting the paediatric hospital "Federico Gomez" in Mexico City.
. Ecatepec, Mexico. Reuters/Max Rossi

Pope Francis embraces young patients while visiting the paediatric hospital "Federico Gomez" in Mexico City.

A woman smiles before Pope Francis's Mass in front of a crowd of hundreds of thousands in Ecatepec.
. Ecatepec, Mexico. Reuters/Max Rossi

A woman smiles before Pope Francis's Mass in front of a crowd of hundreds of thousands in Ecatepec.

Pope Francis waves to the crowd while arriving to celebrate mass at Guadalupe's basilica.
. Mexico City, Mexico. Reuters/Max Rossi TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Pope Francis waves to the crowd while arriving to celebrate mass at Guadalupe's basilica.

Pope Francis celebrates a Mass before a crowd of hundreds of thousands in Ecatepec.
. Ecatepec, Mexico. Reuters/Henry Romero

Pope Francis celebrates a Mass before a crowd of hundreds of thousands in Ecatepec.

Pope Francis (centre) celebrates a Mass in Ecatepec.
. Ecatepec, Mexico. Reuters/Henry Romero

Pope Francis (centre) celebrates a Mass in Ecatepec.

Pope Francis celebrates a Mass in Ecatepec.
. Ecatepec, Mexico. Reuters/Max Rossi

Pope Francis celebrates a Mass in Ecatepec.

People participate in Pope Francis's Mass in Ecatepec.
. Ecatepec, Mexico. Reuters/Tomas Bravo

People participate in Pope Francis's Mass in Ecatepec.

A member of the clergy takes a picture as others look on while Pope Francis arrives to celebrate Mass.
. Ecatepec, Mexico. Reuters/Max Rossi

A member of the clergy takes a picture as others look on while Pope Francis arrives to celebrate Mass.

A member of the clergy participates in Pope Francis's Mass in Ecatepec.
. Ecatepec, Mexico. Reuters/Max Rossi

A member of the clergy participates in Pope Francis's Mass in Ecatepec.