She was tired and overwhelmed and never let go of her daddy as they returned to the terminal at LAX, but it was obvious a five year old South Gate girl brought home joy from her encounter with Pope Francis in Washington, DC.
"Hi, my name is Sophie Cruz. I only want to say thank you to the Pope and to all of you," she said in both English and Spanish to the gaggle of news media that had gathered in the Delta baggage claim area to chronicle her return Friday morning.
Sofie, an American citizen with undocumented parents, had traveled to Washington, D.C. with a group of 25 immigrant rights advocates, including six children, from La Senora Reina de Los Angeles Church at Placita Olvera in Los Angeles. The initiative was organized by the group Hermandad Mexicana.
It became one of the signature moments of the Pope's US visit on Wednesday when the Pope stopped his motorcade and signalled for security to bring Sofie to the Pope-mobile.
The magical moment had the sparkle of spontaneity, but in fact came about after careful planning met opportunity.
As the Pope's motorcade approached, theHermandad Mexicana group attracted his attention by chanting, "Papa, immigrante, tu ayuda es importante!" ("Immigrant Pope, your help is important!"), said Hermandad Mexicana Director Gloria Saucedo.
It worked.
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With the Pope's permission, Sofie delivered a drawing, a three page letter, and a yellow t-shirt, all carrying the message that help is needed to prevent the deportation of the undocumented parents in families such as hers.
"No es solo para la familia Cruz"--(It is not just for the Cruz family)--said Sofie's father Raul Cruz.
In an interview with NBC4 before the trip, Sofie said she wanted Pope Francis to speak personally with President Barack Obama about legalizing all immigrants. Her parents are from Oaxaca, Mexico, she said.
A year ago, the Obama Administration introduced a program known as DAPA--Deferred Action for Parents of Americans. But its implementation has been held up by a court challenge.
"Rescue DAPA" was emblazoned on shirts worn by the Hermandad Mexicana team.
Sofie held her father's hand as they walked to baggage claim, and later he scooped her up into his arms, hers holding him around the neck.
The family needed to get some rest, Raul Cruz said. And then it will be back to first grade for Sofie, who also likes to dance.
Saucedo revealed Sofie and the other children who made the trip to Washington have another trip, somewhat closer, coming up next month--they're going to Disneyland.
