SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — They came from across South Korea to see Pope Francis or, if the crowds were too big to get close enough, to hear his voice emanate from speakers set up around a stage during a Mass to beatify 124 martyrs.

The massive crowd — an estimated 800,000 — packed a long, broad avenue that runs perpendicular to the iconic Gwanghwamun Gate, spilling into side streets and stretching for blocks away from the stage. They fanned themselves in the humid, hazy weather. There was high emotion, including vows to make life changes, pride that South Korea was receiving such global attention, frustration at not seeing Francis’ face and surprise at his humble manner. Here are some of their voices: