Hogan: 'Experience of a lifetime' meeting Pope Francis

WASHINGTON - Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has described his meeting with Pope Francis as an "experience of a lifetime" that he will never forget.

On his Facebook page, Hogan shared personal details about the blessing he received Thursday on behalf of all cancer patients. The governor said he "felt a sense of incredible peace" as Pope Francis took his hand, looked into his eyes and smiled. Hogan then received a blessing for those suffering from cancer, including himself.

Hogan attended a meeting with the pope on Thursday in Washington at the Catholic Charities chapel. Later in the afternoon, Hogan was at Joint Base Andrews as the pope left for New York.

At the base, the Catholic governor said Pope Francis looked into his eyes again and told him "I pray for you."

Hogan was diagnosed with B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma in June and is being treated with chemotherapy. He says his faith gives him strength to defeat the disease.

Yesterday I had the experience of a lifetime, receiving a blessing from His Holiness, Pope Francis on behalf of all...

The Associated Press contributed to this report.