Why is the Pope so important?

The Pope is the head of the Catholic Church, he follows a succession handed down by Christ to Peter, who was the first pope. His role is a spiritual role, and he is supposed to be guided by the Holy Spirit and his role is to lead the church. I suppose it is the faith of the Catholic religion that makes them so emotional about him, perhaps to them it's the closest they have been to something holy or Divine. Probably the same as if a Buddhist was in the presence of the Dali Lama. When people get close to their spiritual 'leader' it is common for them to cry or feel humbled. Something like you being around your favorite basketball or football player.

The Pope is the head of the Catholic Church. Just like Bush is the President of the United States. You could also liken the pope to the head of your family. He is the one who guides and directs the flock. People do not worship him. As your sentiments mentioned, he is just a man. He is not to be worshipped. However, people give reverence to him. Just like us respecting our parents. People also respect him and give him importance. People cry when they see him probably because they have always wanted to see the head of their Church. just like us , when our parents are away, when we see them again for the first time, we cry for joy. That is why people cry when they see him, they are just happy to have the oppoertunity to see him. The Pope lives in Vatican City, Rome. Most of the time, people don't have the opportunity to go there and see him often. And being able to have the chance to see him at your own place is considered a happy moment. I hope this is able to give you some "light" on your concerns about the pope.