Pope Francis, admired for his messages advocating inclusion and compassion, passed away on Monday at 88, just a day following a surprise appearance in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican.
Recognized as a beacon of unity and hope, Pope Francis extended grace and kindness to individuals globally. Below are some of the most touching and unforgettable moments from his 12-year tenure as pope.
Allowing children to approach the altar during Mass
Pope Francis frequently led Mass for papal audiences in the Vatican. On numerous occasions, children approached the altar during these ceremonies, and often, the pope welcomed them rather than asking them to leave.
In 2019, a young girl donned in a shirt that read “Love” approached the pope during Mass, clapping and wandering about. The pope gestured to security, saying in Italian, “Let her stay, God speaks for children, let her stay, let her stay,” as reported by Reuters.
In a similar incident in 2018, a young boy escaped from his mother during Mass and explored around the pope’s podium, even touching a guard’s spear. “He is Argentinian and a bit unruly,” the pope humorously remarked to Georg Gänswein, the prefect of the Papal Household, who sat beside him, as noted by Reuters.
The pope welcomed the boy, stating, “This child cannot speak. He is mute. But he can communicate. He knows how to express himself,” according to Reuters. “He is free, free and unruly. But he is free. He made me reflect on my own freedom before God.”
Inviting a cancer survivor with Down syndrome to ride the popemobile
During a family trip to Rome in 2018, a 12-year-old boy named Peter Lombardi, who has Down syndrome, had his dream come true when Pope Francis stopped his popemobile to kiss him on the head.
The pope then welcomed the boy, a leukemia survivor, into the popemobile, the vehicle used by the pope during public engagements.
A video recorded by the family’s tour guide features the boy’s mother mentioning that Peter overcame cancer “by the Grace of God.”
Engaging in tricks with the Harlem Globetrotters in Rome
Pope Francis met the Harlem Globetrotters—a team famous for their entertaining basketball skills—during their 2015 visit to Rome.
The group made him an honorary member, gifting him a No. 90 jersey with “Pope Francis” on the back. He even attempted to perform one of their unique tricks: spinning a basketball on his finger.
Performing with the circus of Cuba
Pope Francis showcased his ball-spinning skills again when the circus from Cuba came to Rome in 2019.
A performer joined the pope during his weekly general audience, assisting him in spinning a ball on his index finger.
Petting and feeding a tiger
In 2016, while honoring circus performers, Pope Francis tried a more adventurous feat: petting a tiger.
The pope held a jubilee for various performers, commending them for sharing their artistry “with the poor, the homeless, the imprisoned, and disadvantaged youth.”
“You all do remarkable work,” he expressed during a speech. “You are ‘artisans’ of celebration and wonder; your talents enrich society globally, aspiring to inspire hope and trust.”
Blessing the eyes of a child on the verge of blindness
Pope Francis frequently visited individuals with disabilities, including a trip to a center for blind children in Hungary in 2023 and the Irmãs Alma School for children with disabilities in Dili, East Timor, in 2024.
In 2016, he was seen blessing the eyes of a 5-year-old girl with a genetic condition leading to blindness. Lizzy Myers from Ohio had a bucket list to travel the world before losing her eyesight entirely. When her family traveled to Rome, they had the opportunity to meet the pope.
Signing a Harley-Davidson
In 2019, Pope Francis welcomed members of the Christian motorcycle group Jesus Bikers from Austria and signed a Harley-Davidson, affectionately dubbed the “Holy Davidson” for the group.
It was subsequently auctioned off for over $55,700, with the funds being directed toward the construction of an orphanage in Uganda, as reported by BBC News.
Visiting children in the hospital
While recuperating from abdominal surgery in 2023, Pope Francis took the opportunity at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli University Polyclinic hospital to visit pediatric cancer patients.
Following surgery to repair a hernia, the Vatican shared images of the pope in a wheelchair visiting children, their families, and medical personnel in the pediatric oncology ward.
Sharing his 87th birthday cake with children
On December 17, 2023, celebrating his 87th birthday, Pope Francis enjoyed time with children at the Santa Marta Dispensary, a healthcare facility in Vatican City supporting children and women in need.
Videos show children singing “happy birthday” to the pope, who allowed them to take spoonfuls of icing from his cake.
Meeting “Spider-Man” Mattia Villardita
Pope Francis had a chance encounter with Mattia Villardita, who dresses as “Spider-Man” to bring joy to children in hospitals, during his audience in 2021 in Vatican City.
