"Dear brothers and sisters, good morning, " he said in Italian, drawing cheers from the crowd.

CNN: March 17, 2013 -- Updated 1658 GMT (0058 HKT)

Dear Brothers and sisters, this Word of God I feel in a particular way towards me, at this moment in my life.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

It could once have sought counsel from two of the most famous people ever born there: twin sisters Ann Landers (Eppie Lederer) and Dear Abby (Pauline Phillips), who left Sioux City to become the two most renowned newspaper advice columnists in history.

CNN: Sioux City SUX, and that's OK

He lost his dear wife in 2001, which brought him even closer to his children, his sisters and brother, and their families.

BBC: Grieving relatives speak of loss