Valencia man makes trip to see Pope Francis to realize late father's wish

MEXICO CITY (KABC) -- As Pope Francis continued his historic trip to Mexico, one local man was still trying to realize his late father's wish to meet the Holy Father.

It was quiet at the National Auditorium on Sunday night. There was nothing but a few people going out for a walk. It wasn't supposed to be that way as Pope Francs was originally scheduled to deliver a speech to end his day, but it was canceled.

Wenceslao Ceja and his fianc Evelyn Torres both traveled to Mexico from Valencia in hopes of catching an elusive glimpse of Francis.

"It's a little upsetting, you know...I was really excited to see him but other than that, it's understandable. He's a very important man," Ceja said.

Ceja and Torres are the offspring of immigrants. They believe in the Pope's message and call the trip a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see him - but there is another, more important reason.

Ceja's father passed away two months ago, and his dream was to see Pope Francis in Mexico. Ceja vowed to make the trip in his father's honor.

Ceja's dad was diagnosed with leukemia last year, and the vicious disease took his life in just four months.

The Valencia man now wears a pin to honor his father and his fight against leukemia.

Ceja said they are still grateful to be where they are and plan to achieve his father's dream some day.