Pope Francis has met with a family who made a 13,000-mile trip over 194 days from Argentina to Philadelphia in an old Volkswagen van.

A Vatican spokesman says Francis met with Catire Walker and Noel Zemborain and their four children Sunday morning.

Father Frederico Lombardi says it was a very interesting moment and that the family's experience has touched the pope, who is from Argentina.

Walker and Zemborain quit their jobs in food service and marketing to lead their children on the unforgettable tour of the Americas. They made 12 border crossings to make it to the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia.

The Vatican-sponsored conference is designed to strengthen family bonds.

Francis will celebrate a Mass that organizers estimate will draw more than 1 million people to downtown Philadelphia.