Minnesota's Mary Jo Copeland meets with pope

Greeting visitors
Mary Jo Copeland greeted visitors in need of food and services at Sharing and Caring Hands in downtown Minneapolis.
Jeffrey Thompson | MPR News 2013

Among the few Americans granted a private audience with Pope Francis during his visit to the United States is Mary Jo Copeland, founder and executive director of Sharing and Caring Hands and Mary's Place in Minneapolis. Her work has served the poor and needy in the Twin Cities and elsewhere for more than 30 years.

Copeland, who met with the pope Thursday at the Vatican Embassy, described the meeting as a "wonderful, warm, loving experience with a man that has the heart of Jesus. Period. He's changing the world with his heart and his care and his love."

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