April 8 is a day Bobby Pavia, of Stamford, will never forget—meeting Pope Leo XIV.

The encounter occurred after Pavia, who grew up Roman Catholic, had an idea over the winter to write a letter to the Vatican, expressing his concerns about the lack of civility in public discourse. Pavia is a member of the Stamford Board of Representatives and a teacher at Scofield Magnet Middle School.

“I've seen the temperature rising really on all levels, you know? And there's no civility. These personal attacks have become the new normal, and I refuse to do business like that,” Pavia told News 12. “On a macro level, we need to bring civility back.”

So, Pavia shared his beliefs, writing, “It is my mission, both in my role as a public servant and as a school educator for young people, to teach and spread civility.”

Pavia planned to be in Italy in April, so his letter also included a request.

“If the pope was available, is there any chance I could have a brief meeting to discuss the topic of civility in public service, leadership and life,” Pavia recalled. “I had hope for some reason. You know, this is an American pope, the first American people, and I thought, ‘There's a chance.’”

It turned out Pavia had reason to be optimistic. Last month, he not only got a response mailed back but an invitation to the Pope’s General Audience and a brief personal meeting.

“I read that letter like at least 20 times to make sure—all the way up to when I was sitting in front of him. I was like, ‘It does say brief meeting with the Pope, right? You know, after the General Audience?’ Like still, I could not believe it,” Pavia said.

There were about 70,000 people in St. Peter's Square for the Papal Audience, according to Pavia.

“But I had this golden ticket. I didn't know I'd be sitting, watching 20 feet from Pope Leo,” Pavia said.

That distance grew smaller when Pavia was pulled for a quick one-on-one with the pontiff. The conversation confirmed Pavia’s commitment.

“What he did say and what happened in that brief exchange is something that I will carry with me and use for the rest of my life both in public service and how I treat other people with patience, compassion and civility,” Pavis told News 12.

Pavia also left with a physical memento: rosary beads the Pope blessed and gave to him.

“That's a gift I'll treasure forever,” said Pavia.