As excitement for the new Pope continues to sweep across the world, and especially in the United States, dozens of priests, bishops and global leaders have made their way to Rome to meet Pope Leo XIV. From dignitaries and actors to royalty, the pontiff has already welcomed a remarkable range of visitors. Though the guest list may sound exclusively A-list, on special occasions, newlyweds on their honeymoon might just find themselves lucky enough to be counted among them.

That's how my husband and I found ourselves sitting in front of St. Peter's Basilica on a warm summer morning.

Sposi Novelli, translated to "Newlyweds" in English, is a special blessing event the Vatican hosts at the Pope's weekly Wednesday audience. This opportunity allows newly married couples, who have been married within three months or less, to meet the Holy Father and receive a blessing for a happy wedded life. The couples sit in a special section and are required to wear their wedding attire.

We were grateful to be among a group of couples from all walks of life. To our left sat a couple from France; to our right, one from Massachusetts. While most appeared to be in their 20s or 30s, a few were well into their 50s and 60s.

Despite the differences in the crowd, one thing was abundantly clear: their devotion to being blessed by the descendant of Peter.

As Pope Leo entered St. Peter's Square, a wave of applause and cheers swept through the crowd. Parents eagerly lifted their babies toward the popemobile, hoping for a blessing and people shifted in every which way for a better look. Once he completed his route through the square, the service began.

After the gospel and homily, Pope Leo blessed the entire square of pilgrims, and we Sposi Novelli began anxiously waiting. The Holy Father greeted visiting clergy, blessed people with disabilities and took a selfie with the cast of The Chosen. Then, finally, we were summoned by the Swiss Guards.

Walking up to meet the Vicar of Christ, the nerves were high. The only words I was able to get out before kneeling to kiss his ring were "Holy Father." However, when I stood again and Pope Leo began to speak to us, I realized that although I was standing in the presence of arguably the most popular man in the world, I had nothing to be anxious about.

"A Navy man," he said, glancing at my husband in his naval blues.

Pope Leo asked about where we lived and how long we've been married. He accepted the prayer cards we brought him from our wedding and then gave us and our marriage a personal blessing before bidding us goodbye.

We were likely around the hundredth person the Holy Father spoke with that scorching morning, and it somehow felt like we were the only people standing in St. Peter's Square.

If you are getting married and planning to go to Italy for your honeymoon, I cannot recommend this experience enough. Candidly, it is good to go prepared. Get your tickets early, bring water and sunblock, and of course be patient. My husband and I got to the Vatican at 5:30 a.m. and met the Holy Father a little before noon. It's a commitment and exhausting, but unbelievably worth it.

Tickets for Sposi Novelli, as well as the General Wednesday Audience can be requested through the Pontifical North American College's website.