Loyola High School students, staff hold Pope Francis in their prayers, reflect on 2015 visit

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Ever since the news broke of Pope Francis' hospitalization, people across the world have been praying for his recovery.

"The response for us is one that is a prayer for one. We hope and pray for his recovery, of course. We also know that that might not be possible or part of the plan. And so, we prepare for both possibilities," said Daniel Annarelli, the director of global education at Loyola High School.

Students and staff at Loyola High School have especially been impacted by the pontiff. In 2015, Annarelli led a group of 16 students to Philadelphia for Pope Francis' historic visit to the United States.

They, along with other young people from around the country, participated in numerous activities including an audience with the pope himself. Annarelli says lessons learned from that trip are still implemented at Loyola today.

"We reflect back on that moment in time when things were just getting started. You know, Laudato Si had just been published. And now here we are a decade later reflecting on the anniversary of that document, which calls for us to be much more mindful of our sustainability practices and how we care for the Earth," Annarelli said.

Pope Francis' impact and legacy has stretched worldwide including at Loyola High School. When asked to describe him in one word, Annareli said, "Compassion."

"There is a deep love that he has for the dignity of all people and there are so many different ways to articulate that. But when I think about him, I think about a man who really walks the walk," Annarelli said.