Harbaugh, Grant Newsome & Salim Makki will meet Pope Francis

The two players were chosen by Harbaugh to shake the Pope's hand.

Harbaugh had the team write essays on why they should get to shake the Pope's hand.

The essays are included, and they're really impressive. Especially from Salim Makki, the Wayne State transfer from Dearborn. 

http://collegefootball.ap.org/article/addio-michigans-football-team-hea…

There are practices planned at the home of soccer club AS Roma, but there is plenty of sightseeing, too, along with a meeting with refugees, including some who have fled Syria. And then there is the trip to the Vatican. While the entire team can look forward to a visit to St. Peter's Square, Harbaugh, his wife, Sarah, and two players are going to get a closer look at the pope.

In his essay, Makki, a defensive tackle who described himself as a devout Muslim, wrote that he grew up learning the importance of religions coexisting.

"His Holiness Pope Francis is sincerely one of my heroes," Makki wrote. "In a time where Muslims have been scrutinized and wrongly identified with violence, Pope Francis has defended Islam and stated that not all Muslims are violent."

In addition to that, the Pope will be presented with a customized Michigan helmet.

Notice the Cross on the side, the US & Italy flags on the back, the "266" decal (266th Pope) and the Francisco signature panel below the ear hole.