WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Pope Benedict's departure from the White House gave the faithful and the curious a chance to publicly see the pope for the first time.

Dozens of Catholic pilgrims from El Paso lined the streets of Washington with hopes of being close to the pope.

"How long, three hours...Three hours since we got off the bus,” said Bel Air High School student from El Paso Ricardo Razo.

Unlike most 15-year-olds from Bel Air High School, Ricardo's personal walk with god inspired him to want to be in proximity to the pope.

“I've been in this since I was a little kid. If I wasn't in this, I would have never been here," said Razo.

Dozens of El Pasoans from St. Jude our Lady of the Light and Guardian Angel lined the streets of the nation's capital, joining thousands of onlookers.

El Pasoans hoped to catch a glimpse that many see as a man of faith, but for the believers they call him father.

Everywhere the pope journeys, El Pasoans will faithfully come along.

"We're on Pennsylvania Street where he's going to go by," said Central El Paso resident as she spoke to her family member over the phone.

It’s their way to honor Pope Benedict XVI on his first trip to the U.S.

"They should be giving us a ride on the bikes, so we can sing, "follow him...I will follow you," said Guiterrez jokingly as the motorcade rode along.

And all along, hoping to be inspired by his presence, their prayers were answered.

"Maybe some people that know us don't understand it has been great for me...Good for me. I've come to understand my faith," said Guiterrez.

"This trip, it can change my life," said Razo.

The group from El Paso plans to attend mass Thursday with the pope.

Only two will only be able to be hearers of the word. Their journey of faith will then lead them to New York through Sunday.