A local man who's studying to become a priest is getting to see the leader of his faith up close and personal.

Emilio Gonzalez is in his fourth year of seminary and is spending his spring semester in Mexico. He was able to see Pope Francis up close during his six-day visit to Mexico.

"I was here when he went to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe," Gonzalez said. "I was very blessed to get very close."

Gonzalez will also be in attendance tomorrow when the Pope meets with nuns, seminarians, and other officials of the faith. He says he's looking forward to hearing what Pope Francis has to say.

"The way he says it really inspires all of us, and so I plan on being very inspired tomorrow."

Gonzalez will be staying in Mexico until May and then continuing his studies at St. John's Seminary in Camarillo.