News / Religion
Pope Francis blesses sick man - Photos
07 Nov 2013 at 10:00hrs | Views
Photos of Pope Francis embracing a sick man suffering from facial disfigurement have won the pontiff praise online.
The images, taken during his general audience in the Vatican, have seen the Pope credited for his compassion and kindness.
The Holy Father hugged the unnamed man, who is thought to suffer from neurofibromatosis, and held a silent prayer, having earlier asked those assembled in St Peter's Square to pray for a sick little girl.
The pictures have been compared to Jesus healing the leper, as well as the work of St Francis of Assisi, after whom the current Pope took his name.
Neurofibromatosis is a painful hereditary condition that can involve distinctive facial tumours.
Treatment is complicated and sufferers, who can be in constant pain, face discrimination because of their appearance.
The images, taken during his general audience in the Vatican, have seen the Pope credited for his compassion and kindness.
The Holy Father hugged the unnamed man, who is thought to suffer from neurofibromatosis, and held a silent prayer, having earlier asked those assembled in St Peter's Square to pray for a sick little girl.
Neurofibromatosis is a painful hereditary condition that can involve distinctive facial tumours.
Treatment is complicated and sufferers, who can be in constant pain, face discrimination because of their appearance.
Source - UK Metro
